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Tuesday, June 25, 2013

How High Should a Computer Desk Be?

How High Should a Computer Desk Be?

The proper computer desk height is an important facet of working at a computer. After all, if your desk is not at the right height, and your other accessories are also ill-adjusted, you may experience pain or discomfort in your wrists, arms, neck or back, caused by bad ergonomic practices. It is important that your computer desk sit at the right height to ensure optimal comfort each time you sit down at it. Does this Spark an idea?


Desk Height

    The height of your computer desk should be about 20 to 28 inches from the ground, depending on the model and brand. In other words, when sitting down, the height of the desk should reach your elbows. Since desks are generally not able to be manipulated, adjust the height of your seat. Depending on your personal height and level of comfort, adjust the seat slightly higher or lower, but don't vary too much from the desk height/elbow ratio since you want to be ergonomically correct when sitting at a computer desk.

Leg Space

    In addition to the overall height of the desk, it should also be tall enough to comfortably slide your legs in the space available for your chair. The minimum amount of clearance to do so is about 15 inches from your knees and about 24 inches from your feet, with about a 20 inch width. Again, personal height plays a role here, so you may have to try out different desk types before finding one that works for you.

Desk Accessories

    If the computer desk you purchase lacks an adjustable height feature, consider additional desk accessories to make it more ergonomic and comfortable. Items like a sliding keyboard tray and adjustable office chair provide the right method of adjustment, in terms of height, to suit people of all sizes.

Work Surface Width

    In addition to an optimal height, your computer desk should meet certain width requirements to ensure an efficient, comfortable workstation. In order to accommodate the average width of a chair, your computer desk should be at least 24 to 27 inches wide. Anything less than 24 inches restricts your range of motion when sitting down, making the desk less comfortable.

Computer Desk Chair Height

    In addition to an adjustable computer desk, you also need an adjustable computer desk chair. To get the proper posture in a computer chair, feet should always be planted firmly on the ground to avoid any ankle problems down the road. Your back should be straight with your shoulders facing forward. Combined with a proper computer desk height, the proper height of your chair is a factor is determining the ergonomic factor of your workspace.

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