Is my desk too high or too low?

Working at a poorly configured desk can lead to discomfort and potential long-term health issues. If you've been struggling with identifying whether your workstation is at an optimal height for you, you're not alone. This guide will aid you in answering the frequently asked question, "Is my desk too high or too low?"

How do I know if my desk is too high?

Consistently feeling discomfort in your neck or shoulders after periods of work could be your body's way of telling you that something is amiss. A common culprit could be a desk that's set too high.

When forced to reach upwards for your keyboard or mouse, your shoulders may scrunch, causing unwanted stress. Such physical strains often result in ordinary neck and shoulder discomfort. In the long run, it can lead to serious health issues such as musculoskeletal disorders, neck cricks, and weight gain.

How do you determine the correct height of a desk?

Establishing the optimal desk height is surprisingly simple, and all you need to do is observe your elbow position. Both sitting and standing, your desk's work surface should align in height with your elbows. When you're typing or performing other desk activities, your elbows should be positioned at a 90-degree angle—a sign of correct desk and chair height alignment.

What is the perfect desk height for my height?

Determining the ideal desk height correlates directly with an individual's stature. There isn't a "one-size-fits-all" desk height, as we all have different body proportions.

However, as a general rule, an appropriate desk height should allow you to maintain a comfortable position where your feet are flat on the ground, your knees are at a 90-degree angle, and your arms neither reach up nor bend down at your desk.

You can also use our desk height calculator. Just input your height and position at desk, and it will automatically calculate the best desk height for you in inches or cm.

How low should I sit at my desk?

Just as much as a high desk can cause issues, a low desk can as well. When sitting at your desk, the correct positioning of your legs and feet is critical. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should adjust your chair height until your thighs are parallel to the floor, with both feet flat and rested.

There should also be a clearance of about two inches between the back of your knees and the edge of your seat. If your feet can't touch the ground, employing a footrest can offer immense relief.

Conclusion

Establishing an ergonomically correct desk setup is an investment in your health and productivity. Identifying whether your desk is too high or too low can be done through observational signs like neck and shoulder discomfort, or by measuring the alignment between your elbow and desk height.

Remember, desk heights should ideally be set according to individual heights, and chair adjustments should allow for comfortable positioning of legs and feet. Embrace these tips to foster a healthier work life and eradicate those pesky aches and pains. Stay well and work smarter with Desky.