Use our Footrest Height Calculator to estimate a suitable footrest height for your seated workstation. The right height helps support your feet when they cannot rest comfortably on the floor while your chair is adjusted for proper desk and keyboard positioning.
To find a comfortable footrest height:
- Adjust your chair so your shoulders can relax, and your elbows sit comfortably near keyboard height.
- Check whether your feet rest flat on the floor without stretching or slouching.
- If they do not, use a footrest to support your feet.
- Adjust the footrest until your feet feel stable and your thighs are supported without pressure behind your knees.
- Recheck your posture and make small adjustments for comfort.
The ideal footrest height depends on your chair height, leg length, footwear, and desk setup. There is no single measurement that suits everyone.
How to Measure the Correct Footrest Height
A footrest should fill the gap between your feet and the floor when your chair is set at a comfortable working height.
Follow these steps:
- Adjust your chair first. Sit with your back supported and your shoulders relaxed. Position your elbows comfortably near keyboard height.
- Check your feet. If your feet cannot rest flat on the floor, you may need a footrest.
- Measure the gap. Estimate the vertical distance between the floor and the soles of your feet in your normal seated position.
- Adjust the footrest. Raise or lower it until both feet are fully supported.
- Check your legs. Your thighs should feel supported without excessive pressure behind your knees.
Use our Desk Chair Height Calculator if you also need help estimating a suitable chair height.
The calculator provides a starting estimate, but your actual sitting position should guide the final adjustment.
What Height Should a Footrest Be?
There is no universal footrest height. The correct setting depends on your body proportions and workstation.
| Your situation | Recommended adjustment |
| Your feet rest flat on the floor | A footrest may not be necessary. |
| Your feet dangle when seated comfortably | Raise the footrest until both feet are supported. |
| Your chair must be raised to reach a high desk | Use a footrest if your feet no longer reach the floor. |
| Your knees feel cramped | Recheck chair height, seat depth, and footrest position. |
| You frequently change sitting positions | Choose a stable footrest that allows comfortable movement. |
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends supporting the feet on the floor or a stable footrest when necessary. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also advises using an adjustable footrest that supports both feet.
Common Footrest Height Mistakes
Avoid these common setup problems:
- Choosing a height based only on your overall height: Leg length, chair height, and desk position also matter.
- Raising the footrest too much: Excessive elevation may make your knees feel cramped or uncomfortable.
- Supporting only your toes: The footrest should support both feet securely.
- Using an unstable surface: Choose a footrest that does not slide or tip during normal use.
- Ignoring the rest of your workstation: A footrest cannot compensate for every chair or desk adjustment problem.
For a more complete setup review, use our Ergonomic Workstation Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a footrest be under a desk?
It should be high enough to support your feet when your chair is adjusted for comfortable typing. The exact height varies from person to person.
Do I need a footrest if my feet touch the floor?
Not necessarily. If your feet rest comfortably and your thighs are supported without excessive pressure, you may not need one.
Is an angled footrest better?
An angled footrest can offer a comfortable position, but stability and adequate support for both feet are more important than choosing a particular design.
Can a footrest help if my chair is too high?
Yes. A footrest can support your feet when lowering the chair would place your arms too low relative to a fixed-height desk. Adjust the workstation as a whole to maintain a comfortable position.
Find Your Ideal Footrest Height
Use the Footrest Height Calculator to estimate a suitable starting height. Then adjust it until both feet are supported, your thighs feel comfortable, and your legs can move freely.
The best footrest height is the one that supports your feet while allowing a comfortable, well-adjusted sitting position.
