There is no optimal height, which is why most high end chairs are adjustable. If you insist on a fixed chair you can shoot for the average, in which case you would do well to buy The Measure of Man and Woman. Of course, if you have reason to suspect that the population you are designing for is constituted differently than society as a whole, you may want to skew the design accordingly.As for angling the seat, you would want to angle it back, if for no other reason that a manufacturing variation may result in a seat that, although designed to be perfectly level, is tilting the user forward a few degrees. That would be a fail • Mouse / Trackball • Chair / Footrest You should be able to sit comfortably in the chair, using as much of the chair back as possible for support. The lumbar support should fit comfortably into the curve of your lower back, and your feet should be flat on the ground (use a footrest if necessary). The seat pan (i.e. the part on which you sit) should be an appropriate size that allows at least one inch between your legs and either side of the chair, and supports your legs without applying pressure to the back of your knees.
1. Adjust the Chair Height Start with your seat at the highest setting and then adjust downward until your legs and feet feel comfortable, and the back of your knees is at an open angle (90Ì or slightly greater, and not compressed). 2. Sit Back in the Chair Adjust the height and/or depth of the lumbar support to provide comfortable lower back support. If the chair has a recline lock, set this at a comfortable position. Remember to unlock this periodically; this will allow the backrest to move with your back as you change posture. It's generally better to be slightly reclined, as this helps relieve tension from your lower back. If the chair allows you to, adjust the recline tension as you move back and forth so that the chair provides consistent support. 4. Adjust the Seat Pan When sitting back, make any adjustments to the seat pan (e.g., seat pan tilt) to reach a comfortable position. The seat pan should extend about an inch on both sides of your legs, and should not apply pressure to the back of your knees.
5. Adjust the Armrest If possible, adjust the height, width, and position of your armrests to one most comfortable for how you work. Keep in mind that armrests will be used only between typing sessions, not while typing or using your mouse. Consider lowering or swinging the armrests out of the way when not in use so as to not inhibit your movement. Make sure that the chair's casters (wheels) move smoothly, and that nothing obstructs your ability to position the chair in front of your desk and computer. If you don't have an adjustable chair, consider purchasing one. It's a wise investment because it's such a crucial element in creating an ergonomically correct workspace. See our buyer's guide for more on what to look for before making a purchase. If you don't have an adjustable chair, you may need to think creatively to obtain an ideal sitting posture. If you sit low (i.e. there's a downward slope from your knees toward your body), consider sitting on a soft, evenly-filled cushion to provide the added height necessary.
If you sit too high (i.e. there's an upward slope from your knees to your body), consider using a footrest to bring your thighs to a level parallel with the ground. If you don't have a footrest, use a firm and level alternative, such as a phone book. If your seat pan is too deep (which creates pressure on the back of your knees), consider putting a back pillow between you and your backrest to push your body forward and into a better position. Ergonomists generally agree that there isn't a single, "static" seated posture that should be used all of the time. It's a good idea to move around into different postures throughout the day to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue. However, if you have to sit for long periods, the following posture puts the least strain on your body.Contrary to popular belief, good posture doesn't mean sitting flat and firm, with your hips, elbows, and knees at 90 degree angles. Your hips, elbows, and knees should be at slightly open angles (greater than 90 degrees).
Sitting erect or leaning forward increases the strain on the lower back - it's okay for short term use, but isn't recommended for prolonged periods of time. Keep thighs parallel with the floor. Your thighs should be roughly parallel with the floor.Research has shown that reclining eases pressure off your lower back.Uncomfortable pressure (e.g., on the back of your knees) can impede circulation. Be sure to make the proper adjustments to your chair to reduce such pressure. Rest your feet flat on the floor. Your feet should be flat on either the floor or a footrest.Making slight adjustments to your sitting posture throughout the day is healthy. ™ • All Rights Reserved File Cabinets & Storage SELECT YOUR HEIGHT > The desk height calculator was created to provide a general recommendation for the height of a setup. Please select your height from the drop down listed above. Don’t forget to include your shoe thickness when determining an accurate standing height.
(Make sure to include shoe height) Make note of the suggested height of your desk top. Adjust your standing desk to proper height. Print your details for future use. Please note that the information provided may not be accurate for everyone. We highly recommend using a tape measure to verify the height displayed is a comfortable working position for you. Note: This data above uses an average of male and female anthropometric dimensions; all data is based on the 1988 Anthropometric Survey of United States Army Personnel. Ethnic and population differences can vary dimensions by up to a couple inches. Watch How-To Properly Set Up Your Standing Desk 4 Tips On Setting Up Your New Ergonomic Workstation Standing desks can be great for your health and that is why you want to ensure you are using yours properly to eliminate any stress on your body. Here are some tips to keep your workstation ergonomically sound: Desk Height: Set the height of your desk so you are able to type on a keyboard with your arms rested comfortably at your sides (let your shoulders hang naturally), and with your hands at or just below your elbow.