How to Measure Your Office Chair Seat Dimensions

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:13 PM

When it comes to the best-selling office chairs, ergonomics and comfort trump everything else. This is why it’s so important to know how to measure your office chair seat to ensure you’re getting the most ergonomic and comfortable experience for your specific body type and size. Keep reading to learn how to go about this simple and exceedingly important process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Office chair seat size plays an essential role in ergonomics and comfort.
  • Office chair seat height is the most crucial dimension to get right.
  • There are office chairs for every body type and size.

Learn How to Measure Office Chair Seat Dimensions

The dimensions of your office chair’s seat have a more significant part to play in your overall comfort than you may realize.

Why Office Chair Seat Size Matters

You might be wondering why your office chair seat size matters so much. If you sit in your office chair all day, you’ve likely experienced periods of discomfort. Fortunately for you, these instances of pain can be minimized through a seat size that fits your individual needs. A well-fitting chair with lumbar support can help reduce such pain so it is important that you know how to check for lumbar support too. When you either adjust your existing office chair or purchase a new chair that fits your body type and size, then you’ll be amazed by how much more comfortable you can be while sitting in your chair all day.

Steps

Follow these few steps to learn how to measure your office chair’s seat size and ensure you have the most comfortable chair for your body type.

STEP 1 Measure for Seat Height

Sit in your office chair and adjust its height, so both of your feet are planted firmly and flatly on the ground. Make sure your knees rest at a 90-degree angle, or else you won’t get a proper measurement. Take your measuring tape and measure from the floor to the back of your knees. Don’t forget about any typical footwear, as this can affect the measurement. The resulting size is the height at which your chair’s seat should reside for the most comfortable experience.

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STEP 2 Measure for Seat Depth

Next, measure yourself for the appropriate seat depth. While seated in your office chair, you should be able to place two fingers between the back of your knees and the edge of the seat. To get this measurement, use your measuring tape and record the length along your thigh from the back of your buttock to the back of your knee. While you’re checking your seat, it’s also a good time to check your seat’s lumbar support to ensure you’re fully supported as you work.

STEP 3 Measure for Seat Width

To make sure your office chair’s seat width is appropriate for your body, measure the length between the widest points of your hips. We recommend measuring this portion of your body while seated to get the most accurate measurement.

STEP 4Compare Measurements Against Your Office Chair

Now take the time to measure your office chair’s seat. Simply measure each corresponding area from edge to edge and compare the measurements to your body measurements. If your body measurements don’t line up with your office chair, you might need to purchase a new chair. Remember, you can only choose the right size office chair if you keep these measurements in mind the next time you are out shopping for a perfect office chair.

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F.A.Q.S

How do you measure an office chair?

Simply take a measuring tape and measure edge-to-edge around your chair’s seat.


How tall should a chair be for a 30-inch desk?

For a 30-inch desk, your office chair should offer a height range anywhere from 16 to 21 inches.


What is seat depth on a chair?

The seat depth on an office chair refers to the length between the back edge of the seat to the front edge of the seat.


What is the standard size of a chair?

Standard office chairs typically offer a height from 16 to 21 inches and a width from 15 to 18 inches.


STAT: The average American employee sits upwards of 10 hours a day. (source)

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