Most desk dimensions fall into a narrow band. A standard desk is about 29 to 31 in tall, 20 to 30 in deep and 40 to 60 in wide. Small writing desks run 30 to 47 in wide and 16 to 22 in deep, while executive and two monitor desks reach 60 to 63 in wide and 28 to 31.5 in deep. Below are the real sizes of desks we sell and how to pick one.
Desk dimensions at a glance
Based on the published sizes of desks in our catalog:
- Height: most fixed desks we list are 28 to 31 in tall, with 29.5 to 30 in the most common (desks with hutches or raised tops run taller).
- Depth: compact writing desks are 15.75 to 22 in deep, typical home office desks are 22 to 24 in, and large executive desks are 26 to 31.5 in.
- Width: 31.5 to 40 in for a small writing desk, 42 to 48 in for an everyday desk, 51 to 63 in for a roomy one.
- L shaped desks: about 54 to 62 in wide and 45 to 59 in deep overall on the models we carry.
Standard desk size: width
Width is the side to side measurement:
- Under 40 in: a laptop, a lamp and a notebook.
- 42 to 48 in: a single monitor plus a keyboard and some paperwork, the most common home office size.
- 51 to 63 in: two monitors, or one monitor with room to spread out documents.
Leave room for the chair to roll back without hitting a bed or door swing.
How deep should a desk be?
Depth matters most once a monitor is involved. The OSHA Computer Workstations eTool (osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/components/monitors) says to view the monitor from at least 20 in away, with a preferred range of 20 to 40 in from eye to screen, and to set the top line of the screen at or below eye level.
Your eyes already sit back from the desk edge, so the desk itself can be shallower than 20 in for a laptop. Our sizing guidance:
- 16 to 20 in deep: laptops, writing and reading. Monitors will feel close.
- 22 to 24 in deep: one monitor plus keyboard for most people.
- 26 to 31.5 in deep: large or multiple monitors, monitor arms, or a keyboard tray plus paperwork.
Desk height and knee clearance
The traditional fixed desk sits at 29 to 31 in. Colorado State University’s ergonomics program (Risk Management and Insurance) notes that fixed workstations built at the standard 29 to 31 in are too high for about 95% of the population. Raise your chair until your elbows rest near desk height, then use a footrest if your feet no longer sit flat.
OSHA’s desk guidance (osha.gov/etools/computer-workstations/components/desks) says clearance for the legs under the desktop should generally be 20 to 28 in high, and suggests removing a center drawer from a conventional desk if you need more thigh clearance. Its work space page recommends knee space at least 20 in wide, 17 in deep at knee level and 24 in deep at foot level. On pedestal desks, measure the open area between drawers, not the overall width.
If you are considering a sit stand desk, our standing desk height guide covers the standing side in detail, and our guide on how to choose an office chair covers matching seat height to a fixed desk.
Writing desk size for small rooms
A writing desk holds a laptop, notebook and lamp, so it can be much shallower than a computer desk:
- The HomeRoots 32 in black wood and steel folding writing desk lists 31.5 in wide, 15.75 in deep and 29 in tall, and folds away.
- The HomeRoots 47 in espresso wood writing desk lists 47.25 in wide, 22 in deep and 30 in tall.
- The HomeRoots adjustable rolling writing desk in black lists 35.25 in wide and 25 in deep, with a height adjustable from 28 to 39 in on casters.
For a dorm or kid’s room where floor space is tight, a loft bed with desk puts the work surface under the bed instead.
Desk size for two monitors
For a dual monitor setup, add the actual widths of both screens from their spec sheets (the frame, not the diagonal), then add a few inches for speakers or a lamp. As an example of our math: if each monitor measures 21 in across, the pair needs about 42 in, so a 47 to 48 in desk is the practical minimum and 55 to 63 in is comfortable. Two angled screens also need more depth: we would look for 24 in minimum and closer to 30 in with monitor stands rather than arms.
Desks in our catalog that fit that profile include the Benzara Luon 60 in writing desk (60 by 26 by 30 in) and the Rove Concepts Gia Desk, listed at 63 in wide, 31.5 in deep and 29.5 in tall. Browse the full Rove Concepts collection for more large desks.
L shaped desks
An L shaped desk gives you two work zones. The HomeRoots 59 in espresso and silver L shape pedestal computer desk lists 59 in wide by 55 in deep overall at 30 in tall. That overall depth is the length of the return, not the work surface depth, so ask us if it is not listed.
Desk dimensions compared: desks we sell
| Desk | Width | Depth | Height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeRoots 32 in folding writing desk | 31.5 in | 15.75 in | 29 in | Laptop, small rooms |
| HomeRoots 47 in espresso writing desk | 47.25 in | 22 in | 30 in | Laptop or one small monitor |
| HomeRoots 51 in mahogany and gray writing desk | 51.25 in | 23.5 in | 30 in | One monitor plus paperwork |
| Benzara Anva 58 in writing desk | 58 in | 28 in | 31 in | Two monitors, built in power |
| Benzara Luon 60 in writing desk | 60 in | 26 in | 30 in | Two monitors, traditional look |
| Rove Concepts Athena Desk | 63 in | 24 in | 30 in | Wide but shallow rooms |
| Rove Concepts Gia Desk | 63 in | 31.5 in | 29.5 in | Large monitors, executive use |
Sizes are as published on each product page. Rove Concepts notes its measurements can vary by up to 2 in, and some listings label length and width differently, so call us at 866-777-2590 to confirm a critical measurement before you order.
Shipping and next steps
Before ordering, measure the floor space, your monitors and the height from floor to the top of your thighs when seated. Orders of $999 or more ship with free freight shipping, and smaller orders ship for a flat $200. For more ideas, see our designer furniture buying guide and our return and refund policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard desk size?
Based on the desks we carry, a typical home office desk is about 48 in wide, 24 in deep and 29 to 30 in tall. Smaller writing desks start around 31 in wide and 16 in deep, and executive desks run 60 in wide or more.
How deep should a desk be for a monitor?
OSHA recommends viewing a monitor from at least 20 in away. For one monitor, a 22 to 24 in deep desk works for most people. For large or multiple monitors, aim for 26 to 31.5 in deep.
What size desk do I need for two monitors?
Add the frame widths of both monitors and allow a few inches extra. Most dual setups need at least 47 to 48 in of width, and 55 to 63 in is more comfortable, with 24 to 30 in of depth.
Is 30 inches a good desk height?
It is the most common fixed height, but Colorado State University’s ergonomics program notes that 29 to 31 in desks are too high for most people. Raise your chair and use a footrest, or consider an adjustable desk. Questions? Call us at 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
