So you have decided to invest in a standing desk – a long-term investment. How should you go about choosing its size? In fact, why is this even an important topic? 

If you choose a desk that is too small or high/low, you risk compromising on your ergonomics and comfort. A cramped desk that doesn’t support comfortable typing or viewing of your monitor screen is uninspiring. If you choose a desk that is too large, it may be too costly and space-consuming.

Surely, a standing desk is a long-term investment, and you should do your homework buying one. This means you should get the measurements right.

How should you go about choosing the size of a standing desk? 

This process varies for different people. You need to take into account the amount of space your desk essentials take up, how you will use the desk, your standing habits, and your height.

Let’s cover both the minimum size you should consider, as well as a comfortable size if a larger standing desk rocks your boat.

The minimum size of your standing desk

What is the minimum standing desk size that will be just enough? 

If you can determine this, you can avoid overspending on a large desk and completely optimize your use of the standing desk you purchase. Also, you might be able to save space in your room.

Generally, a minimum standing desk size for consideration is estimated to be 50 inches in width and 30 inches in depth, with a standing height of at least 45 inches. 

The width of the desk is the horizontal measurement of the desk from its left to right. The depth of a desk is the distance from the front side of the desk to the back. 

Why 50 x 30 inches? A 50 x 30-inch standing desk is sufficient for using dual monitors, and this is a safe bet that will be more than enough for the average person. 

• Should you decide to use two monitors, a desk that is 50 inches wide will work (a regular monitor is around 22-24 inches). 
• A laptop is smaller than a monitor, so the desk width will be sufficient. 
• As for the 30-inch depth, it will allow you to place your screens far enough from your eyes, and allow space to accommodate your keyboard, mouse, and other desk items to be placed right in front of you.

As for the height of at least 45 inches, taller users should be more concerned, as a desk surface that is too low will create positioning issues of desk equipment and postural issues for the wrists, arms, and neck.

If you plan to go with a smaller desk than this, sure you can, provided that you take into account all these questions that I’ll now discuss.

How many screens and how large are they?

Typically, the most essential equipment that takes up the most desk real estate would be your screens and devices. 

Hence, you want to start with the number of screens (e.g. monitors, laptops, phones) that you’d set up *comfortably* on your desk – this will be the first step in figuring out the size of desk you need.

As we’ve talked about in other articles, you should have portable screens if you are someone who cares about mobility, location independence, and working from anywhere. But as for working in a home office, you might actually prefer using larger, less portable devices that add extra functionality or increase your productivity. Such as a large 27-inch monitor or an extra laptop. 

You need to give this sufficient thought. 

The size of your standing desk is kind of permanent, so make sure you understand your working style and requirements before splurging the cash. 

If you are using only one laptop, are you certain that you will not upgrade your desk setup in the near future, to include multiple screens?

If there is a chance that you might, it is simply safer to go with a desk suitable for two laptops or monitors – you might find your standing desk too expensive to ditch later on.

What are your other desk essentials?

Next, you need to take into account your desk essentials. 

A cramped desk space is, undoubtedly, bad for ergonomics. So if you are thinking of skimping on desk space, know that the right desk size enables proper equipment positioning, eye position, and body posture.

You do not want to force fit your monitor, laptop, phone, keyboard, mouse, coffee cup, USB lightning cable, headphones, notepad, and desk plant into a small confined desk space in front of you. Imagine working on such a cramped desk!

So although it is wise to consider the minimum desk size, you would still need to be realistic. Some people can do with a desk with a width of 40 inches or less. But most people would not want to sacrifice the comfort. Others simply have many more desk items that they want to conveniently reach and access.

If you are still unsure, it is a good idea to measure the width of the equipment and screens that you will be using on your standing desk (especially if you have plenty of tools).

What is the frequency and duration at which you will be standing?

How much will you use your standing desk? 

Standing at work is less important on the days you are mobile – you go out of the house. But on sedentary days, it’s useful to build a habit of standing. 

Here’s how I recommend you think about the standing desk size you need, based on your level of sedentariness: 

• If you prefer to work all day in your home office, then you may benefit from a larger designated standing desk. Consider coming up with a realistic sit-stand schedule. 
• If you like to work remotely beyond your home, then maybe you do not need a large and expensive desk. This is also the case if you are not fully convinced about using a costly standing desk, and want to start with a less costly alternative to see whether you like a standing desk. 

If you do not work from home every day, you may choose not to buy a large standing desk right from the get-go. Some people might not like to crank the desk up and down every hour.

Perhaps, you might want a small standing desk that you will use in bite-sized ways throughout the day, or hold out for a cheaper alternative.

You can just opt for a smaller-sized desk, such as a standing laptop desk or even use books or drawers as props for the time being. It’s up to you.

What is the nature of your work and workflow?

Consider your daily workflow. In other words, what will you be doing at your standing desk – will you be doing lighter research tasks there, or do you plan to use it for your entire workflow and daily operations?

Maybe you want to code comfortably at your sitting desk, and only plan to stand for short periods of the day for the occasional research and learning, during which you use a laptop at your standing desk. 

In that case, you may not need a large desk. You may even want to use a cheaper or makeshift alternative, such as a laptop stand, floating shelf, or some books to prop up your laptop. 

Makeshift methods, while not perfect for ergonomics, are reasonable if you will not be using your standing desk for your entire workday and workflow. You may want a cheap laptop stand until you are capable and sure about a long-term standing desk. These tools can help ease the transition process. 

What is your height? 

If you have a taller frame, you need to be concerned about the maximum height that a sit-stand desk can raise to. Avoid the mistake of getting a standing desk that is too low at its maximum height. Generally, taller users over 175cm should look for desks with a maximum standing height of at least 45 inches.

On the other hand, users with shorter frames do not have to worry about the maximum height of a sit-stand desk. Instead, they should invest in desks with a minimum sitting height under 30 inches.

The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) recommends standing desks with a height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches. No matter your height, you will probably not go wrong if your standing desk falls into this height range.

This article was originally published on unboundist.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.

The comfortable standing desk size

If you have the budget and space, sure. Go ahead and set your sights on a comfortable, larger desk.

In terms of the general price range of standing desks, they can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to US $2,000 or more. Besides the type of standing desk (electric, crank, or fixed-height) and the brand name of the desk, another factor that influences pricing is the size of the standing desk. Generally, as you would’ve guessed, the larger a standing desk is, the more expensive it is. 

A comfortable size for a standing desk can go up to 72 inches wide (horizontal dimension) and 35 inches deep (distance from front to back of the desk). Go with the sit-stand height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches. 

A desk of this size is more than enough to accommodate as many as three monitors. The width of a regular monitor is around 22-24 inches, and a laptop is even smaller.

Frankly, most users will not need a desk this large. 

However, some of you may think of it as a long-term investment that can last years, and you want a one-off desk setup without any need for future upgrades. So you would want a large reliable standing desk that gives the best value for money.

Either way, my recommendation is to try out a cheaper or makeshift standing desk option for a few months, minimally a couple of weeks to see if standing at work is for you. Go with the laptop stand, standing desk converter, or floating shelf. 

Once you are sure, you will be ready for a more permanent and expensive option for your home office.

Other Considerations

How do you know if you have enough space for a standing desk? 

The measurements are simple.

• You need walking space around the desk, so ensure that you have a buffer of 10 inches by the sides of your desk. 
• Also, give the space behind your chair a buffer of 25-30 inches, for you to comfortably get up from your seat.

So make the necessary measurements beforehand. If you work in a small room, it defeats the purpose of a large desk when you don’t have enough space. You also want to organize your desk to avoid cluttering it.

What if you have no space for a standing desk? 

There are other ways to work from home productively without a desk, allowing you to switch positions and find ways to work ergonomically around your apartment. 

Some of these tools are designed for good ergonomics. Others simply give you the flexibility to switch positions and work differently than sitting down on a regular chair.

For the time being, these tools and methods are imperfect but realistic methods of working. Use them until you are ready to invest in the right desk.

Fixed-height standing desk vs sit-stand desk

Perhaps, you are considering getting either a cheaper fixed-height standing desk or a sit-stand desk. 

Most of you may prefer the sit-stand desk. It is adjustable, and thus better for ergonomics, as you do not have to worry about getting height measurements wrong and buying a desk with an imperfect height. 

Also, you will like that it serves two purposes, sitting and standing, so you wouldn’t need two separate desks in the long run.

What if you cannot afford a standing desk?

If you could not afford a standing desk, fret not. Look at standing desk alternatives available, and choose one method or tool to get yourself accustomed to working in a standing position. 

You can pace yourself. Stand regularly as a daily practice if you like.