Finding a height-adjustable standing desk suitable for you can be challenging if you are a short person. The majority of standing desks only go as low as 26” at most which are is not low enough for people under 5 feet 8 inches. This is where we can help you find the ideal desk for your size. Our guide lists the five best standing desks for short people.
Unfortunately, there are only a few brands on the market that make standing desks that can be set as low as 25 inches. Therefore, if you are shorter than 5 foot 6 inches, you can opt to use a standing desk converter placed on a platform or use a height-adjustable office chair to sit higher.
We picked our choices based on in-depth research into durability, weight capacity, height adjustment range, warranty, price, and reviews to ensure you pick a desk that you can trust.
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The 5 Best Standing Desks for Short People in 2023
- HOO 48” Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk – Top Pick
- Calico Designs Height Adjustable Office Desk – Best Value
- Vari 60” Electric Standing Desk – Premium Pick
- HOO 42” Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk – Top Pick Alternative
- TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter – Best Value Converter
You can see our recommended choices above. Keep reading for a detailed description of each of the standing desks and the pros and cons associated with them.
What makes a Standing Desk Good for a Short Person?
The most important aspect which decides if a standing desk is suitable for short people is the desktop height. The desktop must be a certain height depending on the user’s height to ensure they can work in the correct ergonomic posture and prevent back and neck gain. See our proper ergonomic height table below to get a better idea of how tall your standing desk should be.
User Height | Sitting Desk Height | Standing Desk Height |
4 ft 10 | 22” | 35.5” |
5 feet | 22.5” | 36.5” |
5 ft 2’ | 23” | 37.5” |
5 ft 4’ | 24” | 39” |
5 ft 6’ | 25” | 40.5” |
5 ft 8’ | 25.5” | 41.5” |
Keep on scrolling to see our recommended standing desks for short people including our Best Value, Top, and Premium choices and find out what to look for in a standing desk.
Compare Our Picks
Desk Name | Min-Max Height | Weight Capacity | Warranty | Work Surface Size |
24.8” to 50.4” | 281 lbs | 5-year | 48” x 24” | |
23” to 32” | N/A | 10-year | 36” x 20” | |
25” to 50.5” | 200 lbs | 5-year | 60” x 30” | |
24.8” to 50.4” | 281 lbs | 5-year | 42” x 24” | |
0” to 20” | 35 lbs | Lifetime limited | 36” x 20” |
1. HOO 48” Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk - Top Pick
First on our list is our number one choice best standing desk for short people, the Hoo Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk. It offers suitability for short people combined with a durable structure and modern design.
Firstly, this standing desk is suitable for people who are 5 feet 6 inches or taller. The height adjustment is powered by two electric motors that allow users to regulate the desk’s height between 24.8 and 50.4 inches. It’s the lowest height offered out of all the electric standing desks on the market. You can save your favorite height to one of three memory height presets.
The desktop on this model is quite spacious, measuring 48 inches long and 24 inches wide. Therefore it has enough space to accommodate single and dual monitor setups. Being made from laminated wood gives it a scratch and water-resistant work surface. Furthermore, the desktop has an elegant hardwood look, and it’s also available in six other appealing finish styles.
A major advantage of this Hoo model is the heavy-duty steel frame which enables an excellent maximum weight capacity of 281 lbs. Considering the affordable price, it’s great value for money as most electric desks priced similarly have a weight capacity of around 176 lbs. What’s even better is the fantastic 5-year manufacturer’s warranty offered by the brand.
Another positive aspect of this Hoo standing desk is the high number of additional features you get at a competitive price. The desk has a handy reminder alarm to let you know when it’s time to switch from sitting to standing and vice-versa. Another feature is the child lock button which stops children from regulating the height of the desk. Other additional features include a handy cable management tray and cable grommets to keep your workspace organized.
Despite the affordable price, we couldn’t really find any significant downsides; the only things it lacks are a keyboard tray and storage space.
All things considered, this Hoo standing desk isn’t just a good choice for short people but for everyone in general. It ticks all the boxes; it’s affordable with a heavy-duty structure, has appealing looks, and has a long warranty. The height adjustment range is so extensive that we even included it in our best standing desks for tall people guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Suitable for 5ft 6’ User Height
- Elegant Hardwood Design
- 5 Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Dual Lifting Motors
- Child Lock Button
- LED Display
- Excellent Weight Capacity
- Cable Management Tray
- Reminder Alarm
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 48” x 24” x 50.4”
- Worktop Dimensions: 48” x 24”
- Weight Capacity: 281 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 24.8” to 50.4”
- Height Presets: 3
- Desk Weight: 125 lbs
- Material: Steel, Laminated Wood
- Manufacturer: Hoo
PROS:
- Child Safe
- Two Powerful Motors
- Affordable Price
- Fast Assembly
- Available in 7 Styles
- Long Warranty
- Robust Structure
CONS:
- Lacks a Keyboard Tray
2. Calico Designs Height Adjustable Office Desk - Best Value
Second on our list of the best standing desks for short people is our best value pick, the Calico Design Height Adjustable Office Desk.
To start, the desk can be lowered to 23”, which makes it suitable for people 5 feet 2 inches short. The height can be adjusted using a manual lift and lock mechanism in inch increments between 23 and 32 inches.
The work surface is finished in an elegant dark hardwood style and measures 36 inches long and 20 inches wide. Its made from particleboard and is scratch resistant. On the other hand, the frame is made from metal sturdy enough to handle most desktop hardware setups.
Two aspects make this desk stand out; the price and the warranty. The desk is priced under $100, making it very affordable, an excellent choice for prudent buyers. At such a low price, it’s surprising that Calico Designs offer an outstanding 10-year manufactures warranty.
Of course, the desk comes with a few downsides with such a low price tag. Firstly the desktop can only be lifted up to 32”, which isn’t ideal when working in the standing position, so you may have to raise your keyboard by 4 inches using a stand. Secondly, Calico Designs don’t specify a maximum weight capacity, and thirdly the desk lacks additional features.
In summary, if you are looking for a budget-price standing desk for short people, this is certainly a viable choice.
KEY FEATURES:
- Suitable for 5 ft 2’ User Height
- Medium Size Work Surface
- Nice Hardwood Design
- Manual Height Adjustment
- 10-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Adjustable Feet
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 36” x 20” x 32”
- Worktop Dimensions: 36” x 20”
- Weight Capacity: No Info
- Height Adjustment: 23″ – 32″
- Desk Weight: 29 lbs
- Material: Aluminium, Steel, Particleboard
- Manufacturer: Calico Designs
PROS:
- Heigh Can be Set Very Low
- Excellent Warranty
- Budget Price
- Dark Hardwood Design
CONS:
- No Weight Capacity Information
- Can only be raised to 32”
3. Vari 60” Electric Standing Desk - Premium Pick
Next is our premium pick, the Vari 60-inch Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk. It’s a quality standing desk, built to last with an elegant design and lengthy warranty.
Most importantly, this standing desk is suitable for people who are 5 feet 6 inches, all thanks to an extensive height adjustment range. Using the button controller powered by two powerful electric motors, users can regulate the desk’s height between 25 and 50.5 inches.
The desktop is finished in a stunning reclaimed wood style, and it’s also available in three other finishes. It’s very spacious suitable for single and dual monitor setups measuring 60 inches long and 30 inches wide.
The main selling points of this Vari model are its warranty and structure. The desk has a strong steel frame with a 200 lbs maximum weight capacity and is covered by a respectable 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
More advantages include a 5-minute assembly time and greenguard gold certification, which means the desk has low harmful gas emissions. The only real downsides to this Vari desk are the lack of additional features and the higher price tag.
All in all, this Vari standing desk is perfect if you want a spacious desk that is built to last and has a long warranty—highly recommended.
If you are interested in more spacious standing desks like this one, read our best standing desks for triple monitors guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Suitable for 5ft 6’ User Height
- Stunning Design
- 5-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Spacious Work Surface
- 5 Minute Assembly
- Greenguard Gold Certified
- Strong Frame
- Two Electric Motors
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 60” x 30” x 50.5”
- Worktop Dimensions: 60” x 30”
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 25″ to 50.5″
- Height Presets: 4
- Desk Weight: 31.4 lbs
- Material: Steel, Laminated Wood
- Manufacturer: Vari
PROS:
- Built to Last
- Dual Lifting Motors
- Excellent Warranty
- Low Gas Emissions
- Durable Worktop Finish
- High Weight Capacity
CONS:
- Lacks Additional Features
4. HOO 42” Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk - Top Pick Alternative
Fourth on our list of the best standing desks for short people is another Hoo desk, the Hoo 42” Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk. It is basically the same as our top pick but is slightly smaller and cheaper.
Like the Hoo model mentioned previously, this one is also suitable for people as short as 5 feet and 6 inches. Users can regulate the desk’s height between 24.8 and 50.4 inches thanks to a 3 stage lifting process powered by two electric motors.
The desktop size is slightly smaller than the Hoo model mentioned previously, measuring 42 inches long and 24 inches wide, so only 6 inches shorter. It’s finished in a lovely light design, but buyers can choose from six other finishes.
Additional features include a handy reminder alarm, a child lock button, a cable management tray, and desktop grommets. The feet are also adjustable to stop the desk from wobbling on uneven floors.
Like our top pick, this model has the same heavy-duty structure and extended warranty. The desk can handle up to 281 lbs and is backed by a fantastic 10-year manufacturer’s warranty. The only real downside is the smaller desktop size and a lack of storage space.
All things considered, this is another viable option for a standing desk for short people; it’s the same as our top pick but slightly smaller and more affordable.
KEY FEATURES:
- Stunning Light Design
- Laminated Wood Desktop
- 5-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Dual Lifting Motors
- Heavy-Duty Weight Capacity
- 5-Minute Assembly
- Reminder Alarm
- Cable Management Tray
- Desktop Grommets
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 42” x 24” x 50.8”
- Worktop Dimensions: 42” x 24”
- Weight Capacity: 281 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 24.8” to 50.4”
- Height Presets: 3
- Desk Weight: 130 lbs
- Material: Steel, Laminated Wood
- Manufacturer: Hoo
PROS:
- Pleasant Light Design
- Excellent Weight Capacity
- Two Powerful Motors
- Affordable Price
- Has a Child Lock Function
- Available in Multiple Finishes
- Fast Assembly
CONS:
- Lacks Storage Space
5. TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter - Best Value Converter
As mentioned before, people who are shorter than 5 foot 6 inches may have to use a standing desk converter placed on a low desk or table to be able to work in the proper position. This is why we included our last choice on the list, our best value converter, the TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter.
The converter’s work surface measures 37 by 20 inches, including the integrated keyboard tray. It’s made from high-quality scratch and water-resistant MDF.
Users can regulate the height of the converter manually between 0 and 20 inches high, using a lift and lock method. The frame is made out of metal, and the whole converter has a maximum weight capacity of 35 lbs.
This item is better than other converter options because of the low price and the fantastic lifetime limited warranty. Therefore you are covered for life if the desk breaks, and it isn’t your fault. The downsides are obvious, a low weight capacity, small work surface, and a lack of additional features.
In summary, this TechOrbits standing desk converter is the last resort option if you cant get a standing desk suitable for your height. However, it is a much cheaper option than a standing desk and excellent value and quality for a converter
If you are interested in more converters, read our best standing desk converters guide.
KEY FEATURES:
- Practical Design
- Foldable and Portable
- Intergrated Keyboard Tray
- Manual Height Adjustment
- Easy Assembly
- Lifetime Limited Warranty
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Desk Dimensions: 37” x 24” x 20”
- Worktop Dimensions: 37” x 4.2”
- Weight Capacity: 35 lbs
- Height Adjustment: 0” to 20”
- Desk Weight: lbs
- Material: Metal, MDF
- Manufacturer: TechOrbits
PROS:
- Lightweight and Easy to Move
- Budget Price
- Integrated Keyboard Tray
- Space for Two Monitors
- Good Warranty
CONS:
- It’s not a Standing Desk
- Low Weight Capacity
How We Decided
Choosing the best standing desk for short people is all about choosing a desk that fits their height and allows them to work in the optimal ergonomic position while avoiding bad posture. The lifting range, which defines how low you can lower the desktop, is the most crucial aspect in this scenario. Other aspects studied by our experts included desk quality and brand reputation.
Most standing desks may be raised between 25 and 47 inches above the floor. For anyone under 5 feet 8 inches tall, 25 inches from the ground is too high. The desk should be able to be lowered below that for people who are shorter. Because of this, our specialists made care only to suggest standing desks that can be lowered to 25 inches or lower.
The second decisive factor for us was desk quality, which is largely determined by how the desk is built as well as the materials utilized for the frame and desktop. Because most standing desk frames are made of steel, it’s best to compare them based on their weight capacity, which is above average for all of our recommended selections.
Finally, we assessed the brand reputation. Regardless of the additional expense, we always recommend a premium brand standing desk built to last and backed by a long guarantee over a cheap knockoff. It pays off in the long run. As a consequence, the majority of our recommended desks are made by trustworthy and well-known brands.
What to Look for in a Standing Desk for Short People
You have to consider several important aspects when choosing a standing desk for a short person. These will determine if a desk is suitable for you and meets your needs.
Height Adjustment Range
The height adjustment range is the first thing you must check when choosing a sit stand desk for short person. To work in the proper ergonomic position, your desktop height should be level with your elbows. Most standing desks are not suitable for short people so pay close attention to this.
Desktop Size
You have to think about your desktop’s size, so you have enough space to do your daily task and for your hardware such as a monitor or laptop. Additionally, you should consider decorative items you plan to place on the desk and any additional equipment such as a printer or extra monitor.
Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty covers the costs if your device fails or breaks. The manufacturer will usually offer a replacement desk or part, repair, or in some cases, a full refund. We recommend choosing a desk with at least a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure your desk lasts long and you get a good return on investment.
Single or Dual Motors?
When choosing an electric standing desk, there are two types of desks; single motor and dual motor. Dual motor desks are less noisy, ensure a faster lifting process and have a higher lifting capacity. However, dual-motor desks are more expensive than single motor standing desks. We recommend investing slightly more and choosing a dual-motor standing desk.
Weight Capacity
Another essential factor when choosing an adjustable desk for short person is the maximum weight capacity. It determines how much weight your desk can handle and is a good indicator of the strength of a standing desk. If you have a heavy desktop hardware setup, you should consider a standing desk with a higher weight capacity. We consider 176 lbs a good weight capacity for electric standing desks.
The Benefits of Standing Desks
Using a standing desk in your day to day office routine can have numerous physical and mental benefits; these include:
Reduced Back and Neck Pain
According to health researchers, using a standing desk can significantly reduce chronic back pain and neck pain caused by sitting for too long in office scenarios. Also, standing desks can improve your posture.
Increased Productivity
Using a standing desk instead of sitting can increase your energy levels and improve mental focus. Those two things combined can often lead to increased total productivity.
Lower Risk of Disease
Health experts say that sitting for too long can lead to serious health problems like type 2 diabetes or heart disease. By standing for at least half of your day, you significantly reduce your risk of disease.
Weight Loss
Standing burns slightly more calories than sitting; therefore, it may lead to weight loss if combined with a cardio routine. Most people won’t see a significant difference; however, people suffering from bad obesity can feel the positive effects of using a standing desk after just a few days.
Final Thoughts
If you are a short person, it can be challenging to find a suitable standing desk for you, especially if you are shorter than 5 foot 6 inches. We really hope that standing desk brands will eventually catch up to this problem in the industry, and brands will start making desks that can be set lower than 25 inches.
In the meantime, some people have to use standing desk converters which are not an ideal solution. The lack of suitable standing desks for short people can be explained by the fact that shorter people are less likely to suffer from back and neck problems when working at a desk.
We hope that our recommendations have helped you find the ideal standing desk for you. Remember to pay close attention to the weight capacity and warranty length, which are the two most important aspects determining a standing desk’s strength and reliability. Don’t forget to add a monitor mount to your desk to ensure you work in the proper posture and prevent back and neck pain.
If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts on the best standing desks for short people, feel free to reach out to us.
FAQs
How tall should a desk be for a short person?
What is the lowest height adjustable desk?
The lowest electric height adjustable standing desk can be lowered to 24.8 inches. Using the controller buttons, users can regulate the Hoo Dual Motor Electric Standing Desk to be between 24.8 and 50.4 inches high.
How tall should a standing desk be for a 5' 2" person?
What do I do if my desk is too high?
Do you really need a standing desk?
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