How this instrument works
The ergonomic goal of a standing desk is to keep your elbows bent close to a neutral 90-120 degree angle with your forearms roughly parallel to the floor — the same neutral posture principle behind seated workstation guidance, just applied standing up. Getting there starts with your standing elbow height: the height of your elbow when your arm hangs naturally at your side, bent to that neutral angle.
Standing elbow height works out to roughly 0.60 to 0.65 times a person's total height for most adults — this calculator uses the midpoint, 0.62, as a single working estimate. From there, desk height is set a little lower than elbow height, typically 1 to 2 inches (this calculator uses the midpoint, 1.5 inches) below it, so the keyboard sits just under elbow level rather than forcing wrists to bend upward while typing.
This is a population-average rule of thumb, not a precise anthropometric measurement — individual proportions vary meaningfully by torso-to-leg ratio and arm length, so two people of identical height can have noticeably different actual elbow heights. Treat the result as a solid starting point for an adjustable desk, and fine-tune from there by standing at the desk and checking that your forearms sit level and your shoulders stay relaxed, not raised toward your ears.
- Measure your height in inches, without shoes.
- Enter that height into the calculator.
- Read Standing elbow height — the estimated height of your bent elbow while standing naturally.
- Read Recommended desk height — elbow height minus a small typing offset, the working surface height to aim for.
- Adjust from there in person: stand at the desk, relax your shoulders, and check your forearms sit level with the keyboard, not angled up or down.
Worked example — a 5-foot-8 person (68 inches)
A person standing 68 inches tall (5 ft 8 in): estimated standing elbow height = 68 × 0.62 = 42.16 inches. Subtracting the 1.5-inch typing offset gives a recommended desk height of 42.16 − 1.5 = 40.66 inches — right around the middle of the adjustable range most standing desks offer.
A shorter person at 62 inches (5 ft 2 in) would land at an estimated 38.44-inch elbow height and roughly 36.94-inch desk height, while a taller person at 76 inches (6 ft 4 in) would land at about 47.12 inches elbow height and 45.62 inches desk height — illustrating why a one-size desk height rarely works well across a shared household or office, and why adjustable-height desks exist in the first place.
Questions
Is 0.62 an exact, universally correct ratio for elbow height?
No — it's the midpoint of a commonly cited 0.60-0.65 range, a population-average rule of thumb rather than a measurement specific to your own proportions. Torso length, arm length, and leg length vary between individuals of the same total height, so this figure is a solid starting estimate to dial in with an adjustable desk, not a guaranteed-precise number.
Why subtract extra height for the keyboard instead of just using elbow height directly?
Because typing with your wrists bent upward (positioned above elbow height) strains the wrists over long sessions, while a keyboard set slightly below elbow height lets your hands rest in a more neutral, relaxed position. The 1-2 inch offset used here — the same neutral-posture principle behind general computer-workstation ergonomics guidance — keeps the typing surface just under where your elbow naturally sits.
How do I know if my desk height is actually right for me, beyond the formula?
Stand at the desk in your normal posture and check three things: your shoulders should stay relaxed and level, not hunched up toward your ears; your forearms should sit roughly parallel to the floor while typing; and your wrists shouldn't need to bend noticeably up or down to reach the keyboard. If any of those feel off, adjust the desk a small amount at a time rather than relying purely on the calculated number.
Does this calculator account for standing desk mats or shoes?
No — it works from your bare, unshod height. If you'll regularly stand on an anti-fatigue mat (which adds a small amount of height) or wear shoes with a noticeable heel while working, add that extra height to the recommended desk height figure to keep the same relative elbow position.