News

What Is The Standard Office Desk Height In Australia?

Understanding Typical Desk Measurements in Australian Workplaces Most fixed office desks in Australia sit at a similar height, but that doesn’t mean they suit everyone. Knowing the usual measurements helps you decide whether to stick with a standard option or look for something adjustable. In many local offices, traditional workstations are built around a height of roughly 720–750 mm from the floor to the top of the desk. This size evolved as a “one-size-fits-most” solution, based largely on average adult height. While it can work reasonably well for a broad range of people, anyone who is particularly tall or short often finds themselves hunching or reaching, which can cause discomfort over time. The difference between comfort and strain often comes down to just a few centimetres. When your elbows can rest close to a 90-degree angle and your shoulders are relaxed while typing, you’re usually in the right zone. That’s why more offices are moving away from rigid setups and considering a mix of fixed desks and Height Adjustable Workstations for shared or flexible spaces. It’s also worth paying attention to desk depth and leg clearance, not just height. A correctly sized work surface lets you place your monitor at a safe viewing distance and keeps your knees clear of support panels or mobile pedestals. Whether you’re selecting compact Student Desks or larger executive furniture, getting the basic dimensions right is the foundation of a healthy workstation. Ergonomic Guidelines for Different Body Heights Your ideal desk height depends on your body, not just what’s common in offices. Using ergonomic guidelines can help you fine-tune your setup for better comfort and productivity. As a general rule, the work surface should sit around elbow height when you are seated with your feet flat on the floor and your knees at roughly 90 degrees. For many adults, this aligns fairly closely with commonly available desks, but there can be a 50–80 mm difference either way depending on height. If you find you’re shrugging your shoulders up to reach the keyboard or bending your wrists down sharply, the surface is probably too high. Shorter users may need a slightly lower desk or a combination of a standard desk with a footrest so the chair can be raised to a more comfortable position. Taller staff often benefit from desks that can adjust higher than standard, especially when paired with taller gas-lift chairs. In shared environments with a mix of body types, height-adjustable solutions or modular setups like Single Person Workstations and Corner Workstations can reduce the need for awkward compromises. If you frequently switch between focused computer work, paperwork, and meetings at your desk, aiming for a slightly flexible arrangement is smart. Consider pairing an ergonomic chair with good height adjustment and a fixed desk, or opt for a sit–stand system that allows you to fine-tune your working posture. Over a full work week, even small improvements in setup can reduce fatigue and help prevent neck, shoulder, and back issues. Comparing Fixed Desks and Sit–Stand Workstations Not all work surfaces are created equal, and the type of desk you choose affects how strictly you’re locked into a single height. Understanding the differences helps you plan a more comfortable office layout. Fixed-height options such as classic Straight Desks, Corner Office Desks, and larger L-Shaped Desks remain popular because they’re simple, sturdy, and cost-effective. They work well for staff who sit for most of the day and have fairly typical height and build. However, because they don’t move, you have to rely on the chair and accessories like monitor arms and keyboard trays to “bridge the gap” if the surface height isn’t ideal. By contrast, Height Adjustable Workstations allow you to raise or lower the desktop itself, often with an electric controller. This makes it easy to shift between sitting and standing during the day, and to fine-tune the surface for each user. In hot-desking or activity-based work environments, adjustable desks are particularly useful because they adapt to whoever sits down next. Hybrid setups are becoming more common, where key shared zones feature sit–stand workstations while private offices retain more traditional pieces like Manager Desks. This approach balances budget with wellbeing benefits, allowing teams to test which style best suits their work before rolling it out more broadly. Over time, businesses often find that providing at least some adjustable desks reduces complaints about discomfort and supports a healthier workplace culture. Choosing the Right Desk Style for Your Space Height is only one part of designing a functional workspace. The shape and style of the desk also influence how well it fits your room, equipment, and daily tasks. For straightforward computer and paperwork tasks in compact rooms, simple Home Office Desks or streamlined Straight Desks are often ideal. They provide a clean, linear surface that’s easy to position against a wall or window. If you need more space for multiple monitors or documents, upgrading to an L-Shaped Desk or a dedicated Corner Office Desk can create a natural separation between computer work and reading or writing zones. Individuals who manage staff or host frequent in-office discussions may prefer larger designs such as Manager Desks. These typically provide more surface area and presence, while still aligning with common ergonomic height ranges. For teams working in open-plan layouts, modular configurations using Single Person Workstations or shared Corner Workstations can help maintain clear traffic paths and collaboration zones. Students, hybrid workers, and anyone setting up in smaller apartments may need to be especially careful with proportions. Compact Student Desks and slimmer Home Office Desks can still offer comfortable height and depth without overpowering the room. Combine these with a properly adjustable chair and, where possible, a monitor arm to keep screens at eye level while preserving valuable desk space. Practical Tips for Setting Up Your Workstation Once you’ve chosen a desk, taking a few extra minutes to set it up correctly makes a big difference. Small adjustments can turn a standard surface into a truly ergonomic workspace. Start by adjusting your chair so your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees are at a comfortable right angle. Then check that the desktop allows your elbows to sit near 90 degrees when your hands are on the keyboard. If the desk is fixed and slightly too high, raise your chair and use a footrest; if it’s too low, consider monitor risers and under-desk storage that doesn’t interfere with legroom. With Height Adjustable Workstations, you can dial in the ideal position precisely, both for sitting and standing. Next, position your monitor so the top of the screen is around eye level, and keep it roughly an arm’s length away to reduce eye strain. On larger setups such as L-Shaped Desks or Corner Office Desks, place the primary screen directly in front of you and any secondary displays to the side at a slight angle. Keep frequently used items within easy reach to minimise twisting and stretching during the day. If you share a space or hot-desk, choose flexible furniture from ranges like Straight Desks and Single Person Workstations that can be combined with ergonomic chairs and accessories. For home setups, it’s worth investing in purpose-built Home Office Desks instead of dining tables, as they’re designed with more suitable heights and cable management. Revisit your arrangement every few months; as your equipment or tasks change, a few tweaks can keep your workstation both comfortable and efficient.