The ideal height for height-adjustable desks

The right desk height plays a crucial role in health and productivity.

An ergonomic working environment is essential, especially when working long hours in the office or from home.

This article examines how an optimal desk height can help prevent discomfort and increase efficiency.

Why the right desk height is essential

An incorrect desk height can lead to health problems such as back pain, neck tension and long-term damage such as slipped discs.

In addition, an optimal desk height has a direct impact on productivity and general well-being.

An ergonomic sitting and standing posture not only promotes physical health, but also concentration and creativity.

Studies show that an ergonomically optimised working environment can increase productivity by up to 10%.

It is increasingly recognised that office equipment has a direct influence on employee satisfaction and motivation.

Note: An adapted desk height can prevent long-term physical discomfort and mental dissatisfaction.

What is the optimum height for a height-adjustable desk?

The optimum height for a height-adjustable desk depends on individual body measurements.

According to DIN EN 527-1, ergonomic workstations should be adapted to anthropometric measurements.

• The ideal height when sitting is calculated using the formula height [cm] / 2.48.
• The height when standing is calculated as height [cm] / 1.58.

These guide values help to achieve a comfortable and healthy working posture.

For a person with a height of 170 cm, this means a desk height of around 68.5 cm when sitting and 107.6 cm when standing.

Individual proportions, such as leg and upper body length, should also be taken into account.

Desks with a fixed height, which are usually 72 cm, cannot be adjusted to individual needs and often promote unhealthy sitting positions.

Manually adjustable desks offer adjustment in the range of around 66 to 75 cm.

Electrically adjustable models can often cover a height of between 62 and 128 cm.

This flexibility ultimately allows ergonomic working.

Problems with static desks

Static desks with a fixed height can lead to poor posture as they cannot be adjusted to individual needs.

This often causes back and neck pain as well as tension. It also puts strain on the upper and lower arms.

In addition, uncomfortable sitting positions impair concentration and reduce work performance.

Rigid desks force the user to adapt to the piece of furniture instead of the other way round. This leads to unhealthy sitting, which puts strain on the body.

In the long term, this increases the risk of chronic complaints and even musculoskeletal disorders.

Conventional desks often do not take the ergonomic needs of their users into account, which leads to increased strain on the musculoskeletal system.

This strain can not only cause back pain, but also neck pain, headaches and even breathing difficulties.

An ergonomically unsuitable working environment significantly increases the risk of long-term health problems.

Advantages of a height-adjustable desk

A height-adjustable desk such as the Linak Desk Frame 2 offers flexibility and adaptability. It allows you to set the optimum height for different users and activities. This reduces discomfort and promotes better posture.In addition, an ergonomic workstation improves concentration and efficiency, which leads to increased productivity. Modern height-adjustable desks, such as those from LinearDirect, offer additional comfort and precision thanks to electric drives.









Ergonomic flexibility A height-adjustable desk can be easily adapted to the individual needs of the user. Electrically adjustable models allow for infinite height adjustment - ideal for working standing or sitting. This flexibility promotes a dynamic working environment that encourages movement and changes in working posture.





Health benefits The ability to switch between different working positions reduces muscular tension and fatigue.Adjusting the height to the task at hand promotes healthy posture and prevents long-term damage caused by monotonous working postures. A healthy sitting posture can lead to a reduction in sickness absence and greater job satisfaction in the long term.







Note: Regular changes of position reduce physical strain and promote well-being.

Increased productivity An ergonomic working environment helps to increase job satisfaction and efficiency. Studies have shown that employees who work in an ergonomically optimised environment make fewer mistakes and are more productive overall.The ability to quickly and easily adjust the height of the desk also promotes flexibility in the workflow. This flexibility can promote creativity and contribute to an overall more positive working experience.

Calculating and adjusting the optimum height of a height-adjustable desk

The optimum desk height for sitting is calculated using the formula body height [cm] / 2.48. For standing, divide the body height by 1.58. The sitting height can be calculated by dividing the sitting height by 1.58.The sitting height can be determined by dividing the body height by 3.72. These formulas provide reliable guidelines for adjusting the desk. A table shows examples of heights for different body heights to make it easier to adjust.









Table for the optimum desk height

In addition to calculating the optimum desk height, individual factors such as leg length and upper body length should also be taken into account.

A thorough adjustment of the workstation height can help to minimise strain on the body and create a comfortable working environment.

Step-by-step guide to adjusting the height of a height-adjustable desk

Adjustment while seated
When seated, the desk height is adjusted so that the legs form a 90-degree angle and the feet are flat on the floor.The forearms should also rest on the desk top at a 90-degree angle. The monitor should be positioned at eye level to avoid neck tension. Start by adjusting the office chair to ensure that your feet are firmly on the floor and your knees are at a right angle.Then adjust the desk height so that your forearms are parallel to the desk top and your shoulders are relaxed. To ensure that the desk height is set correctly, your forearms and the keyboard should be in a straight line.Your hands should be able to reach the keyboard easily and comfortably without bending your wrists. This promotes a relaxed and efficient working posture.
















Adjustment when standing
When standing, the desk is adjusted so that your shoulders are relaxed and your forearms are level with the floor. The monitor should again be positioned at eye level.Make sure that your back is straight and your legs are slightly bent to ensure even weight distribution. An anti-fatigue mat can provide additional comfort and reduce strain on the legs. It is important to ensure that the eyes are level with the top of the monitor to promote a straight head posture.This prevents neck tension and promotes a healthy working posture.












Easily save the positions and height of the height-adjustable desk
Electrically height-adjustable desks offer the option of making and saving these settings precisely.By simply pressing a button, you can conveniently set your preferred sitting and standing positions and call them up at any time. This enables seamless adaptation to different work requirements and encourages regular changes of position. Modern electric desks often have memory functions for multiple user profiles, which is an advantage in shared working environments. This allows each user to save their preferred height settings and call them up quickly when required.

Ergonomically correct workstation design

An ergonomic arrangement of monitor, keyboard and mouse is essential. The monitor should be at eye level and one arm's length away. The keyboard and mouse should be placed directly in front of the user to ensure a natural hand and arm position. Additional aids such as footrests and anti-fatigue mats support a healthy working environment.

Regular changes of position and movement

A frequent change of working position between sitting and standing is recommended. Ideally, the position should be changed every 30 to 60 minutes. Such changes promote blood circulation and prevent muscular tension. Regular movement units during the working day also help to maintain physical health.







Change intervals
It is recommended to change position at least once an hour in order to maximise the health benefits of a height-adjustable desk. Short movement breaks, such as stretching exercises or a short walk, can also help to promote blood circulation and prevent muscular tension.Regular exercise helps to maintain energy levels and improve concentration by promoting blood flow and oxygenation to the brain.






Benefits of exercise
Regular exercise during the working day improves general fitness and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also helps to improve mental health by reducing stress and boosting mood.Small bursts of exercise can easily be incorporated into the working day to promote physical and mental health. Taking breaks from exercise helps to reduce muscular fatigue and increase productivity. It also helps to reduce the risk of long-term damage caused by monotonous working postures.

Technological advantages of modern height-adjustable desks

Electric height-adjustable desks offer significantly more comfort compared to manual models. Modern drives, such as those from Linak or TiMotion, enable quiet and precise adjustment. Many models have memory functions that allow you to save your favourite settings and call them up at the touch of a button.

Checklist for the correct sitting posture

A correct sitting position starts with your feet firmly planted on the ground.

• The upper and lower legs should form a right angle, while the feet should neither be stretched out nor pushed under the chair.
• The shoulders and arms should be relaxed and the forearms should rest on the desk at a 90-degree angle.
• The head should be positioned straight and in line with the upper body to avoid neck tension.

Regularly checking and adjusting your sitting position will help prevent long-term health problems and ensure a comfortable and efficient working environment.

Adjusting the chair height

The height of the office chair should be adjusted so that your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat on the floor.

If your feet do not reach the floor, use a footrest to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic position.

Correct adjustment of the chair height promotes optimal blood circulation and reduces the risk of leg pain and thrombosis.

Monitor height

The monitor should be positioned so that the top of the screen is at eye level.

This prevents neck strain and promotes an upright head posture.

Make sure that the monitor is at least an arm's length away to protect the eyes.

A correct monitor height helps to prevent neck and shoulder strain and promotes a comfortable and efficient working style.

Always the optimum height - height-adjustable desks from LinearDirect

Experience the benefits of a height-adjustable desk and improve your health and productivity. LinearDirect offers customised solutions to meet your needs. Discover our high-quality, electrically adjustable desks and industrial components that impress in terms of both design and functionality. Contact us today and let our experienced team advise you. Together we can turn your vision into reality.





Get advice now

FAQ

How can I calculate the optimum desk height myself?

The optimum desk height when seated is calculated by dividing your height in centimetres by 2.48. For standing height, divide your height by 1.58. These formulae provide reliable guidelines for an ergonomic working posture.

What are the advantages of height-adjustable desks?

Height-adjustable desks allow the working height to be flexibly adapted to the user's individual needs. This promotes a healthy working posture, reduces discomfort and increases productivity. Electric models offer additional comfort through simple operation and memory functions.

How often should you switch between sitting and standing?

To prevent health problems and maximise the benefits of a height-adjustable desk, it is recommended that you change position at least once an hour. Regular movement breaks and stretching exercises can also help to prevent muscular tension.