Absences due to back problems are at a record high. The reason for this is not only that we are sitting more and more on average, but above all that we are sitting incorrectly. Whether working from home, in an office job or on 24-hour duty: an ergonomic office chair can therefore make a huge contribution to your back health.
However, the prerequisite for this is that you know the right office chair dimensions for your needs. As every body is individual, it is difficult to give basic figures that can be used as a buying guide. We explain how you can still find the right chair.
The problem with standardised dimensions for office chairs
DIN-EN 1335 is one of the standards designed to ensure that the vast majority of people in Europe can sit ergonomically, and it defines a standard that is intended to ensure that an office chair is tailored to the dimensions of the vast majority of the European population.
However, this is a recommendation and not an obligation. Apart from that, ergonomics cannot always be standardised.
If you are shorter or taller than average, have a higher body weight or a disability, you may fall through the cracks. Even people with the same height but different builds cannot necessarily sit on the same chair. For example, a 1.70 metre tall person with long legs needs different office chair dimensions than someone of the same height but with short legs and a long torso.
On the one hand, this means that standard office chairs are out of the question for you - and on the other hand, that there can be no standardised dimensions for an office chair.
In the following, we would therefore like to give you some guidance on how to select a chair with suitable dimensions for your individual situation and how to sit ergonomically.
How to determine the right seat height
How high you should sit on the office chair depends on the length of your lower legs. It is important that you can place your feet flat on the floor and that your legs form a right angle.
Also choose the dimensions of your office chair so that there is enough legroom under the desk. They should not be cramped under the table top.
You can use these values as a reference:
Exemplary office chair dimensions for the seat height
| Body size | Seat height |
| 1,50-1,60 m | 40-43 cm |
| 1,60-1,70 m | 43-46 cm |
| 1,70-1,80 m | 46-48 cm |
| 1,80-1,90 m | 48-51 cm |
| from 2.00 m | 54 cm + |
Office chair dimensions
Approximate dimensions for the correct seat depth
How deep the seat can be so that you sit ergonomically depends on the length of your thighs. It is important that you can sit with your back against the backrest and at the same time place your feet comfortably and flat on the floor.
There should still be space between the back of the knee and the edge of the seat (about three fingers wide) so that the blood circulation is not constricted.
The basic rule is therefore: the seat is better too short than too long.
The standard version usually has a seat depth of approx. 45 cm, but you can also find versions with dimensions of 51 cm. Smaller people (often under 1.65 cm) or people with a short thigh length usually require a shorter seat.
Models that can be adjusted according to your individual body measurements are ideal. The seat depth of Svenstol models, for example, can be adjusted between 41-51 cm.
Seat width for a comfortable seat
When choosing the seat width, you should make sure that your thighs are not constricted by the armrests or that you are sitting on an uncomfortable edge. You will usually find standard dimensions of 45-51 cm. Some models (e.g. from Svenstol) offer the option of sliding the armrests outwards to create even more space for your thighs.
Heavyweight chairs (also known as office chairs for the overweight or XXL office chairs) therefore usually have a wider seat.
Dimensions of the backrest and headrest
It is particularly important that your back is adequately supported over a long period of time. The backrest should therefore support the natural shape of your spine and allow you to sit relaxed and straight.
The corresponding dimensions of your office chair should be based on the length of your upper body.
An ergonomic office chair should have a lumbar support. This is optimally adjusted when it is level with your waistline. If you pay attention to this and your entire back is in contact with the back surface without your upper body or neck being pushed forwards, you are sitting correctly.
When choosing the dimensions of the headrest, also make sure that your neck does not fall too far back. This puts strain on your muscles in the long term.
In this case, you will find out the correct dimensions by trial and error.
Armrest adjustment: relaxed shoulder/neck area
Armrests are important to relieve strain on the neck and shoulder muscles. To achieve this, the dimensions should be adjusted so that an angle of at least 90 degrees is created between the lower and upper arm when lying down.
The height depends on the length of your upper arm. However, you should be able to support your elbow so that your shoulders are relaxed and not pressed too much towards your ear.
You should also make sure that the armrests are not so high that you can no longer roll close enough to the desk.
Office chair dimensions as individual as the user
You cannot buy an ergonomic office chair using a checklist. However, the information in this blog post will help you to get a rough idea of the right dimensions and settings for your build.
Ideally, you should make sure that the model you choose offers as many customisation options as possible. This is particularly important if you need a version that goes beyond the standard or if you share it with other people.
StolComfort therefore offers 24-hour chairs and high-quality office chairs for office work, home office and gaming that fulfil these characteristics.
These also comply with DIN 68877, which defines recommendations for industrial task chairs that are used by different people with different body types. This goes hand in hand with corresponding customisation options.
We recommend that you try out a model before you buy it and seek professional advice. We will therefore be happy to deliver a trial chair directly to your desired location on request and provide you with detailed instructions. Make an appointment now using our practical test chair form.
