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How to size an office chair to your height and your desk

A chair that fits is a matter of measurements: seat height range, seat depth, armrest height and weight rating. Here is how to take them before you order.

By The PC Journal7 min read

The short answer

Measure first, then check the chair's stated adjustment ranges against those numbers. The four that decide fit are the seat height range, the seat depth, the armrest height range and the weight rating, and your desk height decides how high you need to sit and whether the armrests can slide underneath.

Seat height and your desk

Start with the desk, since the chair has to match it. Measure from the floor to the underside of the desktop for knee clearance, and to the top of the desktop for the working surface. Many standard desks are around 29 to 30 inches (73 to 76 cm) high, but that varies, so measure yours.

Then measure from the floor to the back of your knee while wearing the shoes you normally wear. A seat height range that includes that number lets you rest your feet flat on the floor with your knees roughly level with your hips. Compare it with the maker's stated range, which is usually given as the lowest and highest seat height.

If the chair's lowest seat height is still higher than your measurement, you will need a footrest. If the highest setting is too low to reach the desk surface at a comfortable arm angle, consider a taller chair, a higher desk or an adjustable-height desk.

Seat depth, armrests and the back

Seat depth is the distance from the back of the seat to the front edge. A common guide is to leave a gap of a few finger widths between the front edge and the back of your knees when your back touches the backrest. Some chairs have a seat slide, which moves the cushion forward or back and helps people who are shorter or taller than average.

Armrests should let your forearms rest while your shoulders stay relaxed and your elbows are near a right angle at the keyboard. Look for a height range, and check whether the arms can pivot or slide so they fit under the desk edge. A chair with fixed, wide arms may not roll in close.

For the back, check the stated backrest height, the range of any adjustable lumbar support and the recline options. The figures are a way to compare shapes, and the best check is whether the chair adjusts to the position you want.

Measurements to take

Use a tape measure and write the numbers down. Compare them with the chair's specifications.

Floor to desk top
Measure to the surface where your hands and keyboard sit. This sets the target elbow height.
Floor to underside of desk
Measure to the lowest point of the desk frame or drawer so the armrests and your legs can fit.
Floor to back of knee
Measure while seated with your feet flat. Compare with the chair's lowest and highest seat heights.
Seat depth fit
Sit back and check the gap between the seat edge and the back of the knee. Compare with the chair's stated seat depth.
Your weight against the rating
Check the maker's stated weight capacity and that the gas lift is listed for it.

Chair types by situation

A mesh task chair

Choose this if

  • Your room runs warm
  • You want a wide range of adjustments
  • You sit for long stretches and want the seat to adapt to you

A larger or high-capacity chair

Choose this if

  • Your weight or height is near the upper end of standard chairs
  • Check the stated weight rating and seat width
  • Look for a tested gas lift and a wide seat

A gaming-style chair

Choose this if

  • You like a high back and bolstered shape
  • Check that the seat height and armrest ranges still match your measurements
  • Look at the stated adjustments rather than the styling

Mistakes to avoid

  • Buying by looks and reading the adjustment ranges later

    Instead: Check the seat height range, seat depth and armrest range first.

  • Ignoring the desk height

    Instead: If the desk is fixed and high, a chair with a higher maximum seat height and a footrest may be needed.

  • Assuming an adjustable lumbar support fixes a poor fit

    Instead: Treat it as one adjustment among several, and consider talking to a clinician or an ergonomics professional if you have a particular concern.

Where to go next

  1. Best office chairs
  2. Best mesh chairs
  3. Best desk chairs
  4. Best gaming chairs

This guide explains a decision process. It does not contain product rankings, benchmark results or hands-on measurements. How we research

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