What Are The Standard Student Desk Dimensions?

Before the pandemic, it's fair to say we paid a lot less attention to our desk spaces. We've noted over the following years a real uptick in interest in standing desks, as people start to fit out their own homes, and think of the healthiest ways to work. And the exact same can be said for students - with hybrid learning and the threat of potential future lock-downs, many parents have opted to create a study space at home.

If you've not yet made the leap, there are a number of things you might be confused about - and the most obvious thing to wonder is, exactly how big are student desks, and can i fit one in my kids bedroom? Or if you're a teacher, you may be wondering how many can we accommodate in one classroom?

First, and it might seem obvious, but it's time to talk about how a desk is measured, and what these parameter actually mean.

What's The Best Way To Measure a Desk?

You'll find that most desks are measured in centimeters, but occasionally feet and inches will be used too. A standing desk is measured in much the same way as a standard desk, but of course the height will vary - and for this reason, the height is expressed as a range for a standing desks.

Width: this describes the distance from one end of the desk to the other - so if you are facing the desk, the width is the distance from left to right (or vice versa).

Depth: this describes the space between the front (the part of the desk closest) and the back (the furthest away).

Height: this describes the distance between the bottom of the feet, the the top of the table - and obviously, this varies for standing or sit stand desks, which is why you'll see a range and not a number.

Corner desks of course are slightly more complicated to explain, but the same principles apply. You'll find that most desks are measured in centimeters, but occasionally feet and inches will be used too.

What Are The Standard Student Desk Dimensions and Measurements?

Width

The width of your child's desk will depend on their age. For smaller children, the desk size will be between 23.62-27.56 in, which is ample space for an inquiring young mind to study and play.

For slightly old kids, a larger desk will be required of course, and many kids standing desks come in a range of sizes - from 31.50in right up to 70.87in. This of course comes down to a matter of preference and taste, and how your child studies.

And considering it's unlikely your child will have too much space, and they will grow, sometimes a smaller desk isn't the best option.

If they love having all of their materials out and easily to hand, or use multiple monitors, a larger desktop will make sense - whereas a tech savvy kid may only need space for a few devices. Aim for a minimum width of 23.62-27.56in either way and you should be covered.

Depth

Again, for younger kids you can expect less desktop depth, in keeping with the smaller profile of these desks overall. If your child is only using one book or pad at a time, it might seem that you don't need an especially deep desktop. The same applies if your kid only works on a laptop or device - and some desks on the market are designed for just this, with very shallow desktops which sit snug up to the wall.

For postural reasons though, you might want a bit more depth than this. For your child to sit comfortably, they need to be able to fit their desk chair under the desk. This allows them to sit upright when working without straining, and will aid their posture as they grow. A desk depth of between 23.62-35.43 in should be ample, and a deeper desk will remain suitable as your child grows.

Height

For primary school or elementary school kids, a desk height of between 19.69-22.05in is appropriate. Kids aged 10-13 will be in the range 22.83-29.13in, and for young to middle teenagers (13+) anywhere from 25.98-29.92in. As all parents and teachers know, kids don't develop at a uniform speed, and they don't all start out the same size either, so each child will be different.

That's why adjustable height desks for kids make so much sense for growing kids, allowing you to simply raise the desk as they grow (rather than buy a new one). It's worth remembering that for smaller kids, you will need a dedicated chair, as most desk chairs will be too high to fit.

For the same reason, small adjustable office chairs, or dedicated student chairs with a wide range of height adjustment, are also a great idea.

Tips To Help You Choose The Right Size Student Desk

Now you know the rough sizing's and desk dimensions, it's worth considering a few more factors before you make a choice.

How Much Space Do You Have?

How much space you have will be a big factor in the size of desk you opt for. If it's a school desk, of course you will need to know you can fit enough in the classroom. And if it's going in your kids bedroom, you'll need to know there is enough space for the desk, and a comfortable chair, without it impeding on the overall floor space too badly.

In this instance, the right desk is the one that suits you child/children and the space the best. It's also worth remembering that most desks come with storage space, so you may be able to lose a cabinet or bedside table to free up room.

A Desk To Grow With Your Child

It's almost certain that your child's dimensions will change over the coming years, and so our top tip for student desks is to find something that can grow with your child. Ergonomically designed desks with adjustable height, and sometimes even width and depth, are the best option, as they can be raised as your child grows, or even lowered to accommodate a younger child.

What Is The Desk For?

It's likely your child needs a writing desk, a place to draw and sketch, and somewhere to use their devices, all wrapped into one desk. So look for a desk which has not just enough space for all these different activities, but ideally something with a tilt-able desk, so your child can draw and use the desk for recreation too.

We hope this article has helped you to size up a desk for your child or classroom! Although the sizings above are a good guide, looking for a desk which allows the maximum flexibility and adjustable height will allow the desk to grow with your child. Beyond that, the width and depth will depend on your kid and what they use it for.

So with this information in mind, we wish you happy hunting, and hope you find the best desk for whatever kid (or kids) you're buying for.