How to Program Your Standing Desk Height?

Imagine if your workspace could read your mind and adjust to the perfect height with a single thought—hello, Elon Musk! Since we’re not there yet, being able to manually or physically program your standing desk is all we have. Although convenient, it’s not straightforward.

So, if you're having trouble finding the ideal height for your standing desk, keep reading to learn the best tips to optimise your desk. These adjustments enhance your productivity and well-being.

Getting Started

Before we dive into how to program your standing desks, there are two critical factors to consider: sit-stand desk types and your ideal standing height.

While there are many types of sit-stand desks, the two most common options are manual desks, which include crank and pneumatic adjustable desks, and electrically adjustable desks. Each desk type has a unique adjustment method, with electric desks being the most convenient.

The next factor is your ideal desk height. This is particularly important if you’re buying a fixed-height standing desk. To decide on a sit-stand desk, adjustable or unadjustable, I recommend using online ergonomic tools like a sit-stand desk height calculator to find your ideal range.

How to Adjust Your Sit-Stand Desk?

Properly adjusting a sit-stand desk helps maintain good posture and prevents strain or injury. I’ll go over how to do this for each desk type:

Manual Standing Desk

Manually adjustable desks that use a crank do not have programmable features, so they cannot be "programmed" in the traditional sense. However, you can still adjust your desk to meet your ergonomic needs.

Here’s how to do that:

• Adjusting the sitting height: Turn the crank anticlockwise to lower the desk to the desired height. Ensure that the desk height aligns with your elbows and that your wrists are in a neutral position when seated.
• Adjusting the standing height: Turn the crank clockwise to raise the desk to an ideal height. When standing, keep your elbows and wrists in a neutral position, similar to when you’re sitting.

Always ensure the desk is clear of any objects that might fall or damage during height adjustment. I also recommend using tape or a marker to indicate the optimal sitting and standing heights on the desk frame or legs. Similarly, you can use a timer or download an app to remind you to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day.

Pneumatic Standing Desks

Pneumatic standing desks are a type of manual standing desk with a lever or button to control the gas cylinder that raises and lowers the desk. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to adjust your desk:

• Adjusting the standing height: To raise a pneumatic desk, press and hold the lever or button. Then, gently lift the desk surface. The desk's pneumatic system will assist in raising the desk smoothly.
• Adjusting the sitting height: Press and hold the lever or button to lower the desk. Then, apply gentle downward pressure on the desk surface to control the descent. Once the desk is at your desired height, release the lever or button to lock the desk in place.

Electric Standing Desks

Electric standing desks operate differently compared to manual desks. They have a motor, a control panel, and a high-end adjustment system. Unlike manual desks, electric desks also feature memory presets to program your desk and alternate between sitting and standing with a single button push.

Adjusting the desk height

Let’s look at how to adjust your electric standing desk from a standing to a sitting position and vice versa:

1. Turn on the desk by pressing the power button if it has one.
2. Use the up and down buttons to move the desk to your ideal sitting height.
3. Ensure that your elbows are at a 90-degree angle.

It’s a pretty straightforward process. You can also easily make minimal adjustments if you’re uncomfortable with your desk height until you find the best ergonomic solution. This is the convenience of using sit-stand desks, especially electric standing desks.

Saving your height presets

Desk memory presets let you save specific height configurations to easily switch between preferred heights with a button. This feature is handy if you alternate frequently or share your sit-stand desk with others. Here’s how to save your electric desk height after adjustment:

1. Press and hold the "M" (memory) button until the display blinks or you hear a beep.
2. Press the number (e.g., "1") where you want to save the sitting height. The display will confirm the saving process with another beep or a light indicator.
3. Repeat the process for all the different desk heights you want to save.

Once your heights are saved, you can easily switch between them by pressing the corresponding preset button (e.g., "1" for sitting, "2" for standing). The desk automatically adjusts to the saved height.

Since I share my home office with my partner, the number of presets on a sit-stand desk is essential to me. Luckily, most sit-stand desks have four, which means two presets for each. However, others have three, which is ideal if you share the same sitting height with your co-worker or partner.

Tips for Using Your Sit-Stand Desk

Here are some tips that have made using my sit-stand desk more enjoyable and beneficial—I hope they help you, too.

#1 - Make gradual adjustments

When starting, gradually adjust your standing time. Don't jump straight into standing for long periods. Instead, stand for short intervals and gradually increase the duration as your body gets used to it. This approach helps avoid discomfort and allows your body to adjust naturally.

#2 - Wear the appropriate footwear

Wearing comfortable shoes with good support makes a significant difference when standing. The appropriate footwear reduces strain on the feet, legs, and lower back, making standing more comfortable. I recommend choosing shoes with adequate cushioning and support.

#3 - Get an anti-fatigue mat

Investing in an anti-fatigue mat was one of the best decisions for my standing desk setup. These mats have a cushioned surface that reduces strain on the feet and legs, even when standing barefoot, making standing easier for extended periods. Get an anti-fatigue mat if you intend to stand frequently.

#4 - Alternate positions frequently

If your sit-stand desk does not have the feature to set reminders, get an app to remind you to switch positions every 30-60 minutes. This routine keeps you more focused and productive. You are also able to maintain good posture and avoid discomfort from staying in one position for long.

Summary

Adjusting the height of your standing desk shouldn’t be difficult. The steps above should help you easily program your standing desk—manual or electric—to the perfect height for optimal comfort and productivity.

First, make sure your desk is powered on and ready to adjust. Then, locate the control panel, crank, or buttons that allow you to change the height. Slowly adjust the desk to your desired height using the buttons or crank.

Remember to stand up straight and adjust your monitor and keyboard for proper ergonomic positioning. With a bit of practice, programming your standing desk height will become second nature.