Adjusting the correct seat height – this is how it works in 3 steps

You have reached the correct sitting height when your feet are flat on the floor and your knees form an angle of 90 degrees or slightly above. The rule of thumb is: it's better to be a few millimeters too high than too low, because a seat that's too low puts more strain on your knees than is necessary. The ergonomics experts at buerostuhl24.com recommend a fixed order so that every part of your body fits in the end.

Step 1: Legs & Feet

Stand in front of your chair, adjust the seat height so that it is about knee height, and then sit down. Your feet should be completely flat on the floor without having to stretch or tiptoe. Check the angle in the backs of your knees: 90 degrees is the lower limit, a slightly larger angle of 95 to 100 degrees is usually even more comfortable and takes additional pressure off the joints.

Step 2: Legroom & Thighs

Now comes the part that many people overlook: the front edge of the seat. Slide two to three fingers between the back of your knee and the edge of the seat cushion. If it fits loosely, you have enough legroom. If the edge noticeably presses into the back of your knee, you are either sitting too low or the seat depth is not adjusted - both of which cause an unpleasant pulling sensation in the thighs over time and can even disrupt blood circulation.

Step 3: Match the table height

Only when the seat height and legroom are right does the desk come into play - not the other way around. Place your forearms loosely on the tabletop: Here, too, there should be an angle of around 90 degrees at the elbow, while your shoulders hang relaxed downwards instead of being pulled up. If your table is not height adjustable and the seat height does not match, it is better to leave the chair adjusted correctly and instead look for a solution for the table instead of compromising on the seat height.

Practical tip from buerostuhl24.com: If you're short and your desk doesn't allow for a low enough position, use a height-adjustable footrest instead of raising the seat height at the expense of your legs. This means that the knee and elbow angles remain correct, regardless of the table height. With a height-adjustable desk, things are easier: first adjust your chair optimally and then adjust the table height to your arm position - not the other way around.