How to set up a standing desk: heights, monitors and cables

Step 1: position the desk

Place the desk where it will stay, with a few centimetres of clearance from walls, radiators and window sills at every height. Check nothing above it, such as shelves or a window sill, will be hit when it rises, and nothing below it, such as a drawer unit or a chair arm, will be caught when it lowers.

Plug the control box into a wall socket or a good quality extension lead. Our extension lead explainer covers what to use.

Step 2: seated height

Set your chair first. Raise or lower it so your feet are flat and your thighs roughly level. Sit back with your shoulders relaxed and elbows by your sides. Now bring the desk up or down until the keyboard is at about elbow height, so your forearms are roughly level.

Save this height to preset 1. Most handsets save by pressing M, then a number. Our presets guide covers the common methods.

Step 3: standing height

Stand in the shoes you normally wear at home, or in socks if that is how you work. Bring the desk up until your forearms are again roughly level with the keyboard with relaxed shoulders. Save this as preset 2.

If you are unsure what height to expect, our height chart and desk height tool give typical figures by body height. Check the figures against your own elbow height rather than relying on the chart alone.

Step 4: monitor position

The HSE suggests the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level, at a comfortable distance. Because the screen moves with the desk, the height is the same relative to your eyes at both positions if you saved your elbow heights well. Check it anyway at both presets.

A monitor arm or riser lets you fine-tune height and distance. With a laptop, use a stand and a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can sit higher without raising your hands.

Step 5: cables and slack

Run the desk through its full range slowly and watch every cable. Each one needs enough slack to reach the highest position without pulling. Gather cables into a tray under the desk and run a single bundle down to the floor through a cable spine or sleeve. Our cable management guide covers the details.

Note:Never let cables get caught between the legs or under the frame. A trapped cable can be damaged as the desk lowers.

Step 6: settings and safety features

Many desks have anti-collision detection, a child lock and a sit-stand reminder. Check your manual for how to turn each on. Anti-collision stops and reverses the desk if it meets resistance, which helps if a chair arm is left under it. A child lock stops the handset working until unlocked; see our error codes guide if you see LOC on the display.

Using it day to day

There is no single right amount of standing. The HSE advises breaking up long periods of screen work with changes of activity. Many people switch a few times a day. Our how long to stand article covers common routines.

If your desk does not reach your heights, or wobbles at standing height, our electric standing desks guide compares frames by range and stability.

Compare electric standing desks →

Frequently asked questions

What height should my standing desk be? At your elbow height when standing with relaxed shoulders. Use your own measurement rather than a chart.

Should my monitor move when I change height? If it sits on the desk or on a desk-mounted arm, it moves with the desk, which keeps it in the same position relative to you.

Do I need an anti-fatigue mat? Many people find a mat more comfortable when standing on hard floors. It is optional.

How many presets do I need? Two is enough for one person: one seated, one standing. Extra presets help when sharing the desk.