Best Office Chairs for Petite People: A Buying Guide

OSHA says the seat pan should adjust in depth so shorter users can sit with their back fully supported. If the seat is too deep, you either perch forward and lose the backrest, or lean back and press the seat edge into the back of your knees, which OSHA says should not touch.

Seat height is the other half. The agency's test is that the whole sole of the foot rests on the floor, so the lowest setting on the seat matters for a smaller person.

OSHA advises a footrest when the seat cannot be lowered, and says it may also slightly elevate the knee to relieve pressure on the back of the leg. Cornell's guide likewise says feet should rest flat on the floor or a footrest.

That makes a footrest a practical fix for a desk that is high for you, a situation OSHA's desk page also addresses by suggesting that surfaces be raised or lowered or replaced with an adjustable one.

In OSHA's chair guidance, armrests sit low enough that the shoulders stay relaxed, yet close enough to support the lower arms. OSHA's keyboard page says elbows should be about the same height as the keyboard.

Look for armrests that lower enough to keep the shoulders relaxed, or consider removing them.

Chairs qualify for the petite users list by stating a minimum seat height of 17 inches or lower. The table shows seat height range, armrests and weight capacity, and seat depth is not part of the list rule, so read the listing for it.

• Low minimum seat height: the petite list filters on it, because it lets your feet rest flat.
• Seat depth adjustment: scored at 5 points, and OSHA ties it to backrest support for shorter users.
• Armrest adjustability: up to 10 points; lower, closer armrests suit a smaller frame.
• Lumbar adjustment: 3 points for height adjustment, so the support can be moved to the small of your back.
• Seat height adjustability: 4 points for a stated adjustable height and 2 more for a range of 4 inches or more.

1. Lower the seat until both soles rest flat on the floor, or add a footrest if it will not go low enough.
2. Slide the seat pan forward or back so you can lean against the backrest without the front edge touching your knees.
3. Move the lumbar support down to the small of your back.
4. Set armrests to the height of your elbows when they rest close to your body.
5. Adjust the desk or keyboard so your elbows are about level with it, following OSHA's keyboard guidance.
6. Bring the monitor directly in front of you, at least 20 inches away.