Is 70cm Too High for a Desk? Understanding Desk Height and Ergonomics

When designing or choosing your ideal workstation, one question often arises: Is 70cm too high for a desk? The answer depends on your height, seating position, and how you use your workspace. A desk’s height directly impacts posture, comfort, and productivity—making it a crucial consideration for office setups and home workstations alike.

What Does Desk Height Mean?

Desk height refers to the distance from the floor to the top surface of your desk. This measurement determines how comfortably you can rest your arms, align your monitor, and maintain proper posture. The standard height for most office desks worldwide ranges between 70–76 cm.

So, when asking, “Is 70cm too high for a desk?”—the answer is: it depends on your body height and chair setup. For some, 70cm is ideal; for shorter users, it might be slightly tall; for taller individuals, it may feel low.

Is 70cm Too High for a Desk? Standard Desk Height Explained

The “ideal” desk height is based on ergonomic science. For an average adult between 165–180 cm (5'5"–5'11"), a 70–75 cm desk height typically offers optimal comfort. Therefore, 70cm is not too high for a desk—it’s at the lower end of the ergonomic spectrum.

However, this depends on factors such as seat height, armrest position, and foot support. A mismatch can lead to poor posture, neck strain, and reduced productivity.

Ergonomics and Ideal Desk Height

Ergonomics—the science of designing for comfort—dictates that proper desk height maintains a neutral body posture. Here’s how to check if your setup meets ergonomic standards:

• Feet flat on the floor: Use a footrest if needed.
• Elbows at 90–100°: Ensures relaxed shoulders.
• Monitor eye level: Prevents neck strain.
• Wrists straight: Avoids long-term joint fatigue.

Ergonomic Formula for Desk Height

Ergonomists recommend this simple formula:

Desk height = (Your height in cm × 0.44)

So if you’re 170 cm tall, an ideal desk height would be around 74–75 cm. This means that for shorter individuals (under 165 cm), 70cm may feel slightly high, but for taller users, it’s perfect or slightly low.

Fixed Desk vs Adjustable Desk Options

Traditional fixed desks—like the standard 70–75cm variety—are simple, sturdy, and cost-effective. But in the modern workspace, adjustable desks have emerged as the ergonomic gold standard, allowing seamless shifts between sitting and standing positions.

Let’s compare both in the context of whether 70cm is too high for a desk.

Fixed Height Desks

Fixed desks, such as the Digger’s Den Home Office Desk, provide stability and clean aesthetics. However, they depend on your chair’s adjustability for ergonomic alignment.

Adjustable Sit-Stand Desks

Adjustable desks, like the C-Series Single Motor Sit Stand Desk, solve height-related discomfort by allowing full customization—perfect if you find 70cm too high or too low.

Spotlight: Digger’s Den Desk & C-Series Sit Stand Desk

Below, we feature two outstanding desk options that illustrate how different heights and adjustability impact comfort and usability when questioning “Is 70cm too high for a desk?”

1. Save 44% — Digger’s Den Home Office Desk

This contemporary, elegant desk offers a practical solution for compact spaces while maintaining visual sophistication.

• Width: 1200mm & 1400mm
• Height: 750mm
• Depth: 600mm
• Weight: 35kg
• Colour & Finish: Vanilla & Natural Grey
• Style: Contemporary
• Features: 1 drawer, 1 shelf

At 75cm, this model sits just above the 70cm benchmark—making it a great fit for average-to-taller users. If you’re under 165cm, simply adjust your chair height or use a footrest for ideal ergonomics.

2. Save 25% — C-Series Single Motor Sit Stand Desk

This electric adjustable desk provides the flexibility every modern professional needs.

• Height Range: 700–1150mm
• Width Range: 1100–1270mm
• Adjustment Speed: 22mm/s
• Noise Level: ≤50dB
• Weight Capacity: 80kg (176lbs)
• Material: Q235 Steel
• Voltage: AC 110V–220V
• Output: DC 24V
• Safety: Anti-Collision & Overload Protection

With a starting height of 70cm, the C-Series is perfect for those asking “Is 70cm too high for a desk?”—since it offers both sitting and standing modes, adapting to every body type.

Summary Table: Desk Height Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is 70cm too high for a desk?

No. 70cm is not too high for a desk—it’s actually standard. For shorter users, a height-adjustable chair or footrest ensures comfort.

2. What is the best desk height for typing?

For most adults, 70–75cm provides optimal arm alignment and wrist posture for typing comfortably.

3. Can desk height cause shoulder pain?

Yes. If your desk is too high, your shoulders may elevate unnaturally. Proper adjustments can eliminate tension.

4. What’s better, 70cm or adjustable desks?

If your body fits the standard, 70cm is perfect. Otherwise, an adjustable desk like the C-Series Sit Stand Desk offers long-term flexibility.

5. Is standing better than sitting all day?

Alternating between both positions improves circulation, reduces back strain, and boosts energy levels—making sit-stand desks ideal for health-conscious professionals.

References

• Australian Ergonomics Society: “Office Desk Standards and Height Guidelines” (2024)
• Occupational Health Institute: “Ergonomic Sitting Postures and Productivity” (2023)