Sitting Desk for Short Person: Everything You Need to Know

Sitting at a desk all day can be tough, especially for short people.

You can end up with back, neck, and other health problems without an adjustable, comfortable desk.

So, investing in an ergonomic desk is necessary to improve comfort and productivity while reducing sitting problems and stress on daily tasks.

The Importance of Proper Desk Height

Small people are more likely to slouch or hunch over if their desk is too high. This leads to wrist, neck, shoulder, and back pain.

A proper sitting desk is necessary to address these concerns.

Ergonomics Explained

Ergonomics studies how people interact with their environment and how to design safe and comfortable things.

Because half of the world's population is short, table height is one of the most crucial ergonomic considerations.

Simple sitting and standing are important for everyone, especially for short people working 9-5 office work.

To achieve a proper height, ensure that the person's feet are flat on the floor.

Your elbows should be positioned at a 90-degree angle, while your wrists must stay in a neutral position.

This helps prevent fatigue, improving your office productivity.

Effects of Incorrect Desk Height on Health

If your computer desk is too high, you may have to reach for your computer keyboard and mouse, which can result in a repetitive strain injury.

Having the incorrect desk height can result in the following negative effects: 

• Musculoskeletal disorders - these affect the skeletal muscle, bones, and joints. Several conditions include back discomfort, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Headaches - due to poor posture, the muscles in the neck and shoulders may be strained, which can lead to headaches.
• Fatigue - poor posture can make concentrating difficult and lead to fatigue.

Standard Desk Height Guidelines

There are no hard and fast rules for desk heights because they vary on the height of your chair, body type, or individual preferences.

However, some general guidelines can help you to find the right height.

• Your feet should be flat on the floor.
• Your elbows, arms, and keyboard height should be at a 90-degree angle.
• Your computer monitor should be at eye level.

NOTE: If you can't find a desk for short people, use a footrest, an ergonomic chair, or a keyboard tray instead. Try digging through some additional accessories or any auxiliary platform.

Sitting Desk for Short Person: A Brief Guide

Finding a comfortable and ergonomic desk and chair can be a challenge. This is because most desks are designed for people who are taller than average.

Fortunately, adjustable tables designed specifically for half the world's population have emerged.

Ideal Desk Height for 5'2" Individuals

The ideal desk measurement for a 5'2" average height is between 24 and 26 inches. This distance allows for proper ergonomics.

It ensures their arms, feet, and legs can rest comfortably while using a keyboard or looking at the screen.

Average-height or shorter people must find a desk that suits their stature to maintain optimal comfort during work.

Ideal Desk Height for 5 ft Tall Individuals

The ideal office table for a 5 ft tall individual is 22 and 24 inches from the floor.

Your feet should be flat on the floor. Also, make sure to position your elbows at a 90-degree angle. 

In addition, your wrists should be in a neutral posture (parallel to your keyboard and chair).

Recommended Products for Short People

You can also check these best standing desk options from manufacturers like Desky, Steelcase, Ikea, and more.

Creating an office prioritising comfort, posture, and productivity will be more convenient!

Desky Dual Melamine Sit Stand Desk

The desk comes with a variety of laminate desktop options and is designed to accommodate both seated and standing positions for optimal ergonomics.

It has a height range of 23.6" - 49.2" and a lifting capacity of 309 lbs.

Steelcase Solo Sit-to-Stand Desk

This is a good option for small people who want to purchase a table with height adjustment features that work well for an optimal chair height.

This sit-stand table has a height of 22.6"– 48.7″ and a weight capacity of 350 lbs.

Ikea Påhl Desk

A budget-friendly option that is perfect for short people who need a small desk frame to be paired with an ergonomic or just the typical office chair.

It has a height range of 26.7"– 31.5″ and a weight capacity of 110 lbs.

Surely, everything on your office table will be within arm's reach — especially your keyboard.

Other Suitable Desks

• Eureka Ergonomics 48" Sit-Stand Desk is a fantastic option for short people who want a desk with a large work surface. It has a height between 22"– 48" and a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
• Humanscale Freedom Adjustable Height Desk is a high-end option for short people who want a table made with a high-quality body. Humanscale's standing desk converters have a height range between 22.3"– 48.4" from the floor and a weight capacity of 350 lbs.
• FlexiSpot 's Standing Desk Converter M18M is lightweight, portable, and easy to use. This standing desk converter stays in place even on carpeted floors. They have separate, adjustable display mounts and dual ergonomics — best for low-seat office chairs.

Tips for Finding the Right Desk for Short People

Finding the right office table is as important as creating a comfortable, ergonomic office room for petite people.

Here are some tips for finding the right desk for short people:

Adjustable Height Desks

Adjustable height or a standing desk improves workers' comfort and productivity.

You can now switch between sitting and standing while you work.

This also means lesser back discomfort and other health issues brought on by prolonged sitting.

Thanks to the market's wide selection, you can get an adjustable sit-stand office table that suits your needs.

Customisable Desks

Consider office tables with customisable features.

This allows you to tailor the standing desk to your preferred dimensions. This ensures that it fits your height perfectly or matches your keyboard height.

Consider getting a portable keyboard so your arm can comfortably reach the mouse.

Remember, the best desk for short people comes with adjustable leg options or customisable desktop sizes.

This is necessary to suit at least half the population's unique requirements.

Considering Additional Accessories

Accessories like an ergonomic chair, footrest, or monitor rack can help achieve the best ergonomic benefits.

They can also help give your feet, arms, and legs enough space.

Footrests

This device is placed on the floor to support your feet while you sit.

Footrests benefit a shorter or petite person as they can provide support and help maintain proper posture.

Look for adjustable footrests to find the ideal height and angle for your feet and legs.

This also helps reduce the strain on your legs, knees, and feet, plus promotes better circulation.

Ergonomic Chairs

An ergonomic chair is designed to improve posture and reduce fatigue.

Invest in an ergonomic chair with adjustable seat height, seat depth, and lumbar support.

This chair can be helpful for people who sit for long periods in the office and those with back pain or other musculoskeletal conditions.

Monitor Stands

A monitor stand is a device that raises a computer screen off of the desk.

Adjusting the height of your monitor or screen is crucial for maintaining proper eye level and reducing strain on your neck.

This ensures a comfortable viewing experience while you're either sitting or standing.

Consider using a monitor stand to position the computer screen at an optimal distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section will answer some of the people's most common questions about the best sitting desk for short people.

What Is the Standard Desk Height for Sitting Desks?

The average height for sitting tables is 28 to 30 inches. However, this can usually accommodate people between 5'8" and 5'10" in height.

A desk converter paired with a good chair will allow your eyes to focus on the top third of the computer's screen while staring straight ahead.

Your keyboard position should also be parallel to your arms.

How Can I Adjust My Current Desk for My Short Stature?

If you have a fixed-height desk and need to adjust it for your shorter stature, it's time to reconsider buying additional accessories.

These accessories include a footrest, keyboard tray, or an adjustable monitor mount.

You may also try to adjust the height of your chair instead to bring yourself up to a more comfortable level.

Just apply the standard table or chair height guidelines to this adjustment.

If you cannot adjust your desk or chair to a comfortable level, you may need to purchase a new one designed for shorter people.

What Is the Ideal Desk Height for Someone Who Is 4'11"?

The ideal office table height for someone 4'11" is between 24 and 26 inches. This allows you to sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.

The key is to ensure you can comfortably maintain a 90-degree angle with your forearm/upper arm while minimising any difficult time at your workstation.

The easiest way to determine your optimal distance is to explore until you find a comfortable and productive setting.

How Do I Measure the Right Desk Height for My Body?

To measure the right table height for your body, you can use the following steps:

1. Find your elbow height. Measure from the floor to the top of your elbow while seated in a chair with both arms at your sides.
2. Add 2 inches to your elbow height. This is the minimum table height you should use.
3. Subtract 2 inches from your elbow height. This is the maximum table height you should use.

You can adjust a desk converter to the most comfortable working position (sitting or standing).

If your table is not adjustable, get an ergonomic chair or purchase any of the abovementioned accessories.

Are There Any Specific Brands That Cater to Shorter People?

Yes, several brands cater to shorter people regarding tables, chairs, and other furniture.

The most popular brands include Desky, Eureka, Ergotron, Steelcase, Ikea, Humanscale, Flexispot, and more!

They also offer a variety of products that can be customised to fit the needs of people with average height.

Conclusion

On top of its health benefits, an ergonomic sitting desk aids in a person's convenience, posture, and productivity.

Ensure that your desk offers the best comfort and different customisation options.

You can always opt for additional accessories as they further enhance and achieve the best ergonomic position while you work.