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Ergonomic chair vs normal office chair: what is the difference?

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In short

A normal office chair usually adjusts only seat height and perhaps a rocking tilt. An ergonomic chair adds adjustments that let it fit your body: seat depth, lumbar support you can move, armrests that adjust in several directions and a tilt you can lock or tension. The label itself is not regulated, so check the adjustment list rather than the word ergonomic.

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

Our verdict

The ProtoArc EC200 covers more of the checklist, with seat depth and two-way lumbar, so it suits most people under 100 kg. The Sihoo M18 is the simpler choice with a higher 150 kg rating if you do not need seat depth adjustment.

Almost every desk chair sold online now has ergonomic in its title, which makes the word close to meaningless on its own. Yet there is a real difference between a basic swivel chair and a properly adjustable task chair, and it shows up after a few hours of sitting. This article sets out the checklist that separates the two, explains what each adjustment does, and shows how two chairs from our guides compare on those points. It also covers when the upgrade is worth it and when a simpler chair is enough.

The adjustment checklist

The HSE display screen equipment guidance asks employers to provide a stable chair with an adjustable seat height and a back that supports you, and it describes a working posture with forearms roughly horizontal and feet flat on the floor or a footrest. A basic chair can meet the minimum. An ergonomic chair goes further, so it can fit a wider range of people. These are the points to check:

forearm roughly levelthigh roughly levelfeet flat123456
  1. 1Seat height (gas lift)
  2. 2Seat depth slide
  3. 3Lumbar height and depth
  4. 4Back angle and tilt tension
  5. 5Armrest height
  6. 6Headrest
The adjustment points of a task chair, with a seated outline: feet flat, thighs and forearms roughly horizontal.
  • Seat height with enough range for your knee height
  • Seat depth, so the seat edge sits a few fingers behind your knee
  • Lumbar support you can move up or down, and ideally in depth
  • Armrests that adjust in height at least, and ideally slide and pivot
  • Back angle with a tilt lock and tension control, or a weight-activated tilt
  • A load rating that suits your weight with some headroom

What a basic chair usually lacks

A typical basic office chair has a gas lift for seat height, a fixed back shape and fixed arms. It may rock back on a simple tilt with one tension knob. That suits short spells at a desk, but the fixed parts may not line up with you. The lumbar curve might sit too high or too low, the seat may be too deep for shorter legs, and fixed arms can stop you pulling in close to the desk.

None of this is about luxury. Each adjustment exists because people differ in height, thigh length and arm length. A chair with more adjustment has a better chance of fitting you, and of fitting a second person who uses the same desk.

Two chairs from our guides compared

Both chairs below call themselves ergonomic. One covers more of the checklist than the other, which shows why the adjustment list matters more than the label.

Checklist pointProtoArc EC200Sihoo M18
Seat heightClass 4 gas liftAdjustable
Seat depth33 to 43 cm, 5 levelsNot adjustable
Lumbar6 cm height, 2 cm depthAdjustable back support
ArmrestsHeight, 7 cmHeight adjustable
Tilt4 positions, tension knob4 recline positions
Max load100 kg150 kg
Standard citedBS EN 1335BIFMA testing
From the listings

See office chairs under £300 →

Standards: BS EN 1335 and BIFMA

BS EN 1335 is the European standard for office work chairs, covering dimensions, safety and stability. A chair that meets it has a seat height range, back height and other dimensions within set limits. BIFMA X5.1 is an American standard focused on strength and durability. Mentions of either are a good sign, but neither guarantees that a chair will fit you. Check the actual adjustment ranges in centimetres where the listing gives them.

Our what is an ergonomic chair article goes into the standards in more detail.

When the upgrade is worth it

If you sit at a desk for several hours most days, share a chair with someone of a different size, or are taller or shorter than average, the extra adjustment is worth having. If you only sit for short spells, a simpler chair set to the right height with a cushion for lumbar support may be enough. Whatever you buy, spend ten minutes setting it up properly; our how to adjust an office chair guide walks through the order.

See our ergonomic chair picks →

Frequently asked questions

Are ergonomic chairs worth it? For long daily use, a chair that adjusts to fit you is usually worth the extra. The key features are seat depth, movable lumbar and adjustable arms.

Is ergonomic a protected term? No. Any chair can be sold as ergonomic, so compare the adjustments listed rather than the title.

Can I make a normal chair more ergonomic? Partly. A footrest, a lumbar cushion and raising or lowering the desk can help, but you cannot add seat depth or arm adjustment.

Is a gaming chair ergonomic? Some are well adjustable, others rely on cushions. See our gaming chair vs office chair comparison.

What you need

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