If you are a tall person, you may have experienced the discomfort of sitting on a chair that is too low or too shallow for your body. You may have felt your knees bending too much, your legs dangling in the air, or your back slouching over the table. These are not only awkward but also unhealthy postures that can cause pain, stiffness, and fatigue in the long run.
So, how can you find a chair that fits your height and allows you to sit comfortably and ergonomically? One of the most important factors to consider is the seat height, which is the distance from the floor to the top of the seat cushion. The seat height determines how much your legs can bend and rest on the floor, as well as how much clearance you have from the table.
In this blog post, we will explain how to measure and calculate the ideal seat height for a tall person, and provide some tips and recommendations for choosing the best chair for your needs.
How to measure the ideal seat height for a tall person
The ideal seat height for a tall person depends on two factors: your own height and the height of the table or desk that you are using. To measure the ideal seat height for yourself, you will need a tape measure, a chair, and a table.
First, measure your height from the top of your head to the floor. Then, divide your height by 3.72. This will give you the recommended seat height for your body size. For example, if you are 6 feet tall (72 inches), then your ideal seat height is 72 / 3.72 = 19.4 inches.
Next, measure the height of the table or desk that you are using from the floor to the top of the surface. Then, subtract 10 inches from the table height. This will give you the maximum seat height that you can use without hitting your knees or thighs against the table. For example, if your table height is 30 inches, then your maximum seat height is 30 – 10 = 20 inches.
Finally, compare the recommended seat height and the maximum seat height, and choose the lower one. This will ensure that you have enough legroom and clearance from the table, while also allowing your legs to bend at a 90-degree angle and rest on the floor. For example, if your recommended seat height is 19.4 inches and your maximum seat height is 20 inches, then you should choose a chair with a seat height of 19.4 inches or lower.
How to choose the best chair for a tall person
Besides the seat height, there are other factors that you should consider when choosing a chair for a tall person. These include the seat depth, the backrest height, the armrest height, and the adjustability of the chair.
- The seat depth is the distance from the front edge of the seat to the backrest. The seat depth should be long enough to support your thighs without cutting off your circulation, but not too long that you cannot sit back fully. A good rule of thumb is to leave a gap of about 2 inches between the back of your knees and the front edge of the seat. The recommended seat depth for a tall person is between 23 and 25 inches.
- The backrest height is the distance from the seat to the top of the backrest. The backrest height should be high enough to support your entire back, especially your lumbar region, and prevent you from slouching or leaning forward. A good rule of thumb is to choose a backrest that reaches at least your shoulder level, or higher if you prefer more head and neck support. The recommended backrest height for a tall person is between 30 and 36 inches.
- The armrest height is the distance from the seat to the top of the armrest. The armrest height should be adjustable to match the height of the table or desk that you are using, and allow your arms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle or slightly more. A good rule of thumb is to choose an armrest height that is about the same as the height of your elbow when you are sitting upright. The recommended armrest height for a tall person is between 9 and 11 inches above the seat height.
- The adjustability of the chair refers to the ability to change the position and angle of the seat, the backrest, the armrests, and the height of the chair. The adjustability of the chair is important for a tall person, as it allows you to customize the chair to fit your body and posture, and avoid strain and discomfort. A good rule of thumb is to choose a chair that has at least the following adjustments: seat height, seat tilt, backrest tilt, backrest height, armrest height, and armrest width.
Top 5 chairs for tall people in 2024
To help you find the best chair for your height and needs, we have compiled a list of the top 5 chairs for tall people in 2024, based on the criteria mentioned above. These chairs are:
SIHOO Doro C300 Ergonomic Office Chair
The SIHOO Doro C300 home office chair features an intelligent weight-sensing mechanism that enables the sihoo doro c300 chair to support up to 150 kilograms of weight, adapting to the user’s weight while ensuring an effortless and balanced tilting experience. The computer desk chair can recline at 92°, 100° and 112° angles, allowing you to relax and rest comfortably.
Brand | SIHOO |
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 23.22″D x 30.31″W x 15.35″H |
Size | Doro C300-001 |
Back Style | Solid Back |
Oline ErgoPro Ergonomic Office Chair
Ergonomic office chair made from breathable mesh for comfort and long-lasting support;
Adjustable headrest, armrests and height to fit your body, smooth, silent impeller protects floors; Material: Mesh
Sleek style has a modern and professional look that fits any office space; Dimensions (L x W x H): 26 x 26 x 53 inches
Tilt lock with tilt tension and height adjustment allows you to tilt 90 to 120 to 135 degrees while maintaining good posture; Weight: 51.90 lbs
Dynamic lumbar support holds 275 pounds and swivels with you, allowing you to sit comfortably all day
Brand | Oline |
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 26″D x 26″W x 53″H |
Size | 26D x 26W x 53H in |
Back Style | Solid Back |
Nouhaus Ergo3D Ergonomic Office Chair
WORK OR PLAY EASILY: The mesh headrest adjusts up and down, while the 4D adjustable arms move forward, backward, up, down, side to side, and swivel to best fit your body. 3D lumbar support hugs your back, while the seat slides up and down for the ultimate in customizable comfort at the office or before a game!
HEAVY DUTY: 5-point base with dual casters offers greater stability and strength than common 4-point single caster chairs. Our sturdy iron base makes this heavy-duty office chair perfect for adults weighing up to 275 pounds. also offer a set of impellers – smooth as silk on hardwood.
Brand | Nouhaus |
Color | Grey |
Product Dimensions | 16.3″D x 27.95″W x 44.09″H |
Size | 16.3D x 27.95W x 44.09H in |
Back Style | Solid Back |
ERGOUP Ergonomic Office Chair Mesh High Back Desk Chair
ERGOUP Butterfly office chair has been rigorously tested and certified by BIFMA, SGS and SAFEGUARD. Environmentally friendly materials can be collected and recycled. Each component has passed strict high-quality testing, such as seat cushion impact test, armrest pressure test, backrest tilt durability test, caster overload movement test, etc.
The best ergonomic office chair headrest height and angle meet your basic requirements. The ERGOUP butterfly chair headrest can move forward and backward to perfectly fit the neck curve during lunch breaks and work.
Brand | ERGOUP |
Color | Grey |
Product Dimensions | 19.6″D x 27″W x 50″H |
Back Style | Solid Back |
Special Feature | Adjustable Backrest |
LINSY HOME High-Back Office Chair
Built-in lumbar and supportive backrest with high back construction provides support for the curves of the spine and natural positioning of joints. The curved front edge of the seat cushion can effectively improve sitting comfort. True ergonomics promote good posture, prevent discomfort and maximize productivity.
You can tilt the chair back and lock it in 3 different positions from 90° to 135° for working or relaxing. High-quality and easy-to-clean mesh material keeps air flowing and resists wear and deformation, keeping you comfortable while sitting for long periods of time.
Brand | LINSY HOME |
Color | Black |
Product Dimensions | 24.5″D x 27.3″W x 22″H |
Back Style | Solid Back |
Special Feature | Adjustable Height, Adjustable Headrest, Rolling |
Conclusion
Finding a good seat height for a tall person is not as hard as it may seem. You just need to measure your height and the table height, and calculate the ideal seat height for yourself. You also need to consider other factors, such as the seat depth, the backrest height, the armrest height, and the adjustability of the chair. By following these guidelines, you can find a chair that fits your body and allows you to sit comfortably and ergonomically.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand what is a good seat height for a tall person, and how to choose the best chair for your needs. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy sitting!