For most Australian home offices, a standing desk around 1500 to 1600mm wide and 750 to 800mm deep is the safest all-round choice. It fits a laptop or dual monitors without dominating a study. A 1200mm desk suits one screen and tight spaces, while 1800mm is better for several displays or paperwork. Also check monitor distance, height range, chair clearance and cable movement.
This standing desk size guide explains how to measure the room and choose dimensions that suit the equipment you actually use. If you are still comparing frames, motors and load ratings, start with our Australian sit-stand desk buying guide.
Quick answer: which standing desk size suits your setup?
| Desk size | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| 1200 x 600-700mm | Laptop or one compact monitor in a bedroom, apartment or study nook | Limited writing space and screens may sit too close on a shallow top |
| 1500-1600 x 750-800mm | Most home offices, one large screen or two monitors on an arm | Measure the room with the chair pulled back, not just the empty wall |
| 1800 x 750-800mm | Multiple monitors, technical work, documents and larger commercial workstations | The extra surface is useful only if circulation and cable access remain clear |
How wide should a standing desk be?
A 1200mm desk suits a laptop, one monitor and limited paperwork. It becomes restrictive once you add speakers, a dock or a second screen. Mark 1200mm on the wall with painter's tape and place your equipment within that width before ordering.
A 1500 to 1600mm desk is the practical middle ground. It accommodates two common office monitors without pushing the keyboard off-centre. A monitor arm also recovers space occupied by factory stands. The Forma Four-Leg Electric Sit Stand Table uses a versatile 1600 x 800mm top.
Choose 1800mm for several displays, reference documents or technical equipment. Bigger is not automatically better. A wide desk that blocks a doorway or leaves no chair movement is wrong for the room.
Is 600mm deep enough for a standing desk?
A 600mm-deep desk is a compromise for compact rooms. It can suit a laptop or small screen on an arm, but a factory monitor stand may sit too close. WorkSafe Queensland advises an arm's-length monitor distance, 10 to 15cm between the keyboard and front edge, and an 800mm desk depth for practical monitor positioning and leg room.
For regular computer work, 750 to 800mm depth is easier to configure. It leaves room for monitor-arm movement and forearm support. Read our monitor arm compatibility checklist if the top has a bevelled edge or a support beam near the clamp.
Measure the room, not only the desktop
Start with the wall width, then account for skirting boards, power points and doors. Measure the full working depth, including the chair and space needed to stand. Check that a raised desk will not hit shelves, window handles or storage.
Test the cable route at maximum height so cords do not pull on plugs. Keep drawers, pedestals and chair arms clear of the lowering path. Anti-collision is a backup, not a layout plan.
Check height range before width or finish
A desk can fit the room and still be wrong for the user. Stand naturally, relax your shoulders and bend your elbows to roughly 90 degrees. Measure to your forearm and confirm that height falls within the desk's adjustment range.
The Forma adjusts from 687 to 1132mm. Very tall buyers should measure rather than rely on a general chart. WorkSafe Queensland recommends at least 1200mm for taller workers. If your elbow height exceeds a desk's maximum, choose a taller frame.
Do monitors and accessories change the size you need?
Yes. Fixed monitor stands consume depth and create wide bases across the desktop. A CBS Flo Single Monitor Arm suits a one-screen setup, while the CBS Flo Dual Monitor Arms can organise a two-screen workstation through one mounting point. Check screen weight, VESA pattern and clamp clearance before ordering.
Count monitors, arms, laptop, dock and other equipment in the total load. The Forma is rated to 80kg, but equipment-heavy setups should leave a sensible margin.
Who is each desk size best for?
Choose 1200mm for occasional laptop work in a tight room. Choose 1500 to 1600mm for a full-time home office or standard workstation. Choose 1800mm for equipment-heavy roles where circulation remains adequate.
A sit-stand desk still needs a supportive chair because standing continuously is not the goal. Browse ergonomic task chairs, or consider the HÅG Capisco if you prefer varied seated and perched postures. Once the workstation is installed, use our standing desk setup guide to set the height and establish a realistic sit-to-stand routine.
Standing desk size checklist
- Mark the proposed width and depth on the floor before ordering.
- Allow for the chair, access path, skirting boards and open doors.
- Choose enough depth for arm's-length monitor positioning.
- Confirm the desk reaches your measured seated and standing elbow heights.
- Check monitor-arm clamp clearance and desktop thickness.
- Add the weight of every item that will rise with the desk.
- Test cable length at maximum desk height.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best standing desk size for a home office?
For most full-time home offices, 1500 to 1600mm wide and 750 to 800mm deep provides the best balance of equipment space and room efficiency. A smaller 1200mm desk is reasonable for a laptop or one compact screen.
What desk size do I need for two monitors?
A width of at least 1400 to 1500mm is practical for two monitors, with 1500 to 1600mm giving more room for a laptop and notes. A dual monitor arm can free useful desktop area and improve screen positioning.
Is an 800mm-deep desk too large?
Not for regular computer work. An 800mm depth supports comfortable monitor distance, keyboard placement and leg room. In a narrow room, mark the full desk and chair footprint before deciding.
Does a wider standing desk wobble more?
Width can influence movement slightly, but frame design, leg construction, floor level and assembly quality matter more. A stable four-leg frame can be more resistant to lateral movement than a basic two-leg desk at standing height.
Can I put a monitor arm on the Forma desk?
Yes. Its 25mm desktop supports compatible clamp and grommet mounts. Confirm the arm's clamp range and screen weight before installation, and keep the clamp clear of frame components under the desktop.
How much space should I leave behind the desk?
Leave enough room to pull the chair back, stand comfortably and pass without obstruction. The exact clearance depends on the room and access path, so test the layout with tape and a chair before ordering.
Final recommendation
If you want one dependable size for a normal Australian home office, start at 1500 to 1600mm wide and 750 to 800mm deep. Then verify the user's height range, monitor arrangement and full room footprint. Browse Chair Dinkum's sit-to-stand desk range, or contact Chair Dinkum for practical sizing advice before committing to a commercial fit-out or equipment-heavy setup.
