How to use a standing desk converter properly

What a converter is

A converter has a base that sits on your desk and a platform that lifts on a scissor or vertical mechanism. Many have a lower keyboard tray and an upper monitor surface. Some lift with gas springs and a handle, others with an electric motor. Our standing desk vs converter comparison covers when each makes sense.

The two main lift types behave differently. Z-lift and scissor types move forward as they rise, so you need space behind your chair. Vertical lift types rise straight up, which suits tight spaces.

Placing it on your desk

Centre the converter in front of where you sit, with its front edge level with or close to the desk's front edge. Check your desk can take the weight of the converter plus your monitors and laptop; most fixed desks can, but glass or very light desks may not.

Leave space behind it for the mechanism if it is a Z-lift type, and check the platform will clear shelves above. On a deep desk you may want the converter slightly back from the edge so you can rest papers in front.

Setting the seated position

Lower the converter fully. Its keyboard tray will now sit a few centimetres above the desk surface, which raises your keyboard. Raise your chair until your forearms are level with the keyboard again, then add a footrest if your feet no longer rest flat.

This step is often missed. A converter adds height even when lowered, so your chair height may need to change from what it was before.

Setting the standing position

Raise the converter until the keyboard is at your standing elbow height with relaxed shoulders. Check the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. If the converter has a separate keyboard tray, check both levels, as the gap between keyboard and screen is often fixed.

Many converters lift only 40 to 50 cm above the desk. On a 73 cm desk that may not reach a tall person's standing elbow height. Use our desk height tool to check the total height before buying.

Load and stability

Every converter has a load rating. Add up your monitors, laptop, speakers and anything else on it and keep below the rating. Gas spring models are balanced for a range of weights; if yours rises too quickly or will not stay down, check the tension adjustment in the manual.

Converters are less stable at full height than a full frame. Avoid leaning on the platform, keep heavy items towards the middle, and do not use it as a step.

Note:Keep fingers clear of the scissor mechanism when lowering. Lower slowly with both hands on the handles.

Using a converter with a laptop and monitors

A laptop on a converter puts the screen too low and the keyboard too high at the same time. Use a separate keyboard and mouse on the lower tray and lift the laptop on a stand or use an external monitor. For two monitors, check the platform width; our converters guide lists platform sizes and ratings.

Compare desk converters →

Frequently asked questions

What is a sit stand desk converter? A platform that sits on your desk and lifts your keyboard and screen to standing height, then lowers for sitting.

Do I need to change my chair height with a converter? Usually yes. The lowered converter raises your keyboard, so raise your chair to match and use a footrest if needed.

Is a converter stable enough for two monitors? Many are, within their load rating. Wider platforms and monitor arms help.

Electric or gas spring converter? Electric is easier to raise with heavy loads; gas spring is cheaper and needs no power.