With 81% of UK office workers spending between four and nine hours each day at a desk (this equates to 67 days per year sitting at an office desk), it’s crucial you have the correct set-up. Having your office desk, chair and computer at the right height and angle can dramatically improve your posture during your seated hours of the day.
In this guide, we tell you exactly how tall your office desk should be and why it’s important to have the correct height.
Contents:
- The correct height for your office desk
- Why does office desk height matter?
- Where can you get new office desks?
The correct height for your office desk
The average height for an office desk in the UK is 740mm, 74cm, and 29 inches. This height is perfect for those who are 6 feet 1 inch tall, but as office desks are typically bought in bulk, it may not be the optimal height for all employees.
To find the best height for your seated office desk, you should follow this equation:
Your height in inches + 1 = Your ideal office desk height in cm
| Your Height (feet and inches) | Your Height (cm) | Office Desk (inches) | Office Desk (cm) |
| 5’ 3” | 160 | 34 | 64 |
| 5’ 4” | 162.5 | 35 | 65 |
| 5’ 5” | 165 | 36 | 66 |
| 5’ 6” | 167.5 | 37 | 67 |
| 5’ 7” | 170 | 38 | 68 |
| 5’ 8” | 172.5 | 39 | 69 |
| 5’ 9” | 175 | 40 | 70 |
| 5’ 10” | 177.5 | 41 | 71 |
| 5’ 11” | 180 | 42 | 72 |
| 6’ | 182.5 | 43 | 73 |
| 6’ 1” | 185 | 44 | 74 |
| 6’ 2” | 187.5 | 45 | 75 |
| 6’ 3” | 190 | 46 | 76 |
| 6’ 4” | 192.5 | 47 | 77 |
| 6’ 5” | 195 | 48 | 78 |
| 6’ 6” | 197.5 | 49 | 79 |
| 6’ 7” | 200 | 50 | 80 |
Why does office desk height matter?
Having the correct office desk height for your individual requirements is important for not only your posture and health, but it will help ensure you are focused throughout the day. Combining the height of your desk with the correct chair height, it will make sure your posture is ergonomically correct (back angle, elbow height and reach).
Aches and pains
One of the most common causes of back aches and pains is due to incorrect posture when sitting at an office desk. Having an incorrect desk height can cause you to subtly contort your body in uncomfortable ways leading to aches and pains in your back, arms, legs and even wrists. Whilst incorrect office desk height can lead to long-term back problems, you should always seek medical advice as there could be an alternative reason for the issue.
Increases focus and productivity
If employees feel comfortable and relaxed in their workspace, it’s only natural productivity and focus levels increase. Not having to constantly adjust positions to prevent aches and pains will reduce the amount of distractions employees have to face during the work day, in turn increasing focus and productivity.
Obesity
Sitting down for long periods of time throughout the day can lead to an increased risk of obesity. Spending the majority of the day in a sedentary position will reduce the number of calories being burnt and increases the likelihood of snacking – when these two factors combine, it will lead to a weight increase.
Where can you get new office desks?
At Think Office Furniture we supply businesses across the UK with the highest-quality desks for offices and reception areas.
We have a wide range of brand-new office furniture that meets your requirements – choose your shape, colour and finish for the best office desk for your needs.
If you would like to find out more information on how our office desks can help your business, then please do get in touch and we will be more than happy to help.