How to Choose an Office Chair Size: A Buying Guide

One is how the chair fits your body: seat height, seat width, seat depth and backrest height. The other is how it fits your room: the footprint, the swing of the base and the clearance under your desk. Both are worth checking before you order, since a return is a hassle.

The home office list suits this guide because it covers chairs sold for home desks.

OSHA says seat height is right when the whole sole of the foot rests on the floor with the back of the knee slightly higher than the seat, and that the seat pan should adjust in depth so users with long legs get thigh support and users with short legs can sit with the back fully supported. It also says the pan should be wide enough for the majority of hip sizes.

Backrest height matters too. The Ergo Score gives support points to a backrest of at least 25 inches, or a headrest, which suggests how far up the back the chair reaches.

OSHA's desk page gives leg clearance as generally between 20 and 28 inches high, and its chair guidance asks for a strong five-legged base with casters suited to the flooring. Check that the chair fits under your desk in its normal working position.

Measure your clearance and your floor space first, then compare them with the dimensions in the listing.

This list covers chairs in the home office desk chair category, ranked by Ergo Score. The table shows the back, armrests and weight capacity but no dimensions, so open each listing for seat width, depth and height before deciding.

• Seat height range: the score gives 4 points for adjustable height and 2 more when the stated range is at least 4 inches.
• Seat depth adjustment: 5 points, tied by OSHA to thigh support and backrest contact for different leg lengths.
• Upper back support: 4 points for a backrest of at least 25 inches or a headrest.
• Weight capacity: scored in tiers by the stated rating, and part of sizing a chair to the person.
• Base and casters: OSHA asks for a strong five-legged base with casters suited to your floor.

1. Write down your desk clearance and available floor space before shopping.
2. Compare the listing's stated dimensions with those numbers, and note any that are not stated.
3. When the chair arrives, set the height so your feet are flat on the floor.
4. Slide the seat or backrest until you can lean back with a little room between the seat edge and your knees.
5. Test the chair under your desk and in its normal working position.
6. If it does not fit, use the return window promptly.