Best Office Chairs for Programmers: A Buying Guide

A coding session can run for hours without you noticing, which is why the break advice from workplace sources matters here. OSHA's keyboard page recommends a five-minute break from computer tasks every hour, and Cornell University's ergonomics guide suggests resting the hands in a relaxed, flat, straight posture between bursts of typing, plus eye breaks and a brief rest break every 30 to 60 minutes.

Pair the chair choice with a timer or a build-time habit: stand up when the tests run.

OSHA notes that a proficient typist can exceed 18,000 keystrokes an hour, which it links to wrist and tendon injury risk, and it advises keeping wrists straight and the mouse close to the keyboard. Cornell recommends keeping the wrists flat and straight and the upper arm relaxed near the body when using the mouse.

That puts weight on the chair's armrests and seat height. Cornell cautions against resting your forearms on armrests all the time while typing, so use them for occasional support.

Developers often run two monitors. OSHA says a screen should sit directly in front of you, within 35 degrees left or right, with the top at or slightly below eye level and a viewing distance between 20 and 40 inches. Its guidance does not cover multiple screens, so treat the second one as a judgment call and keep the main display in front.

Easy swiveling can help you turn toward a second display, but check what each listing actually states about its base and swivel.

Programmers can use the long hours list as it stands; its table compares the back, seat cushion and armrests.

• Armrest adjustability: the Ergo Score gives up to 10 points, and OSHA says armrests should support the lower arms while keeping the shoulders relaxed.
• Seat cushion: the Ergo Score credits memory, high-density or molded foam and mesh seats, and the Comfort Index adds points for cushions 2 inches or thicker.
• Tilt controls: the Ergo Score gives points for tilt lock, tilt tension and advanced tilt mechanisms, useful for shifting posture while you think.
• Lumbar adjustment: points for height, depth and tension, so the support can stay where you need it as you move.
• Breathable back: mesh or knit earns 4 points in the Ergo Score, which is relevant for long sessions at the desk.

1. Set the seat so your feet are flat and your thighs are about level.
2. Bring the armrests to elbow height, and keep your wrists straight rather than bent up or down.
3. Place your main monitor directly in front of you, at least 20 inches away, with its top edge at or slightly below eye level.
4. Keep the mouse close to the keyboard to avoid long reaches.
5. Recline a little during code review or reading, then sit forward for typing.
6. Stand up and walk when a build or test run starts, and take the hourly break OSHA recommends.