Standing Desk Guide: How to Get the Most From a Sit-Stand Desk

A sit-stand desk makes it easy to change position during the day – but only if you set it up properly and actually use it. Here is how to choose the right size, save your heights and build a routine that sticks.

Choosing a desktop size

Start with what will sit on the desk. One monitor, a keyboard and a mouse fit comfortably on a 140 cm desktop. Two monitors side by side, speakers, a microphone arm or a laptop next to your main screen usually call for the extra room of 160 cm. Measure the space in your room as well, leaving room to pull the chair in and out.

Save your two heights

Memory presets are the feature that turns a standing desk into a habit. Set them once:

1. Sitting height: adjust your chair first (see our chair and desk setup guide), then bring the desk to where your forearms angle slightly down to the keyboard. Save it.
2. Standing height: stand relaxed with your shoulders loose and raise the desk until your forearms are again slightly angled down to the keyboard. Save it.
3. Check the monitor at both heights – the top of the screen should stay around eye level.

Build a sit-stand routine

Standing is not a replacement for sitting; the benefit comes from changing position. Comcare’s workstation guidance is not to stand all day and to alternate between seated and standing postures every 30 minutes. When you stand, keep your feet about shoulder-width apart and avoid heels.

Make it easy: stand for calls, the start of a match lobby or while reading, and sit for focused typing. Linking the switch to something you already do makes it stick.

Before you press the button

• Leave enough slack in monitor, power and peripheral cables for the full height range.
• Keep the area under and around the desk clear of chairs, drawers and window sills.
• Stay within the desk’s rated load, especially with heavy monitors or monitor arms.

The iCraft Peak at a glance

Our own iCraft Peak electric standing desk is built for exactly this routine:

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Source for sit-stand recommendations: Comcare, Setting up your workstation factsheet.