Ideal Desk Dimensions: How to Find the Right Size for Your Space

The ideal desk dimensions usually falls within the following range:

• Desk width: 47-72 inches / 120-182 cm / 1200-1820 mm

• Desk depth: 24-31 inches / 60-80 cm /  600-800 mm

• Desk height: 26-30 inches / 65-75 cm / 650-750 mm

However, desks come in a variety of sizes, and your desk space may impact your efficiency. That’s why choosing the right size for your needs is essential. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect desk dimensions to create an ideal workspace.

1. What Are the Common Dimensions for Standard Desks?

Learn more about desk dimensions to assist you in choosing the ideal desk for your setup.

Single-Person Desk Dimensions

The ideal dimensions for a single-person desk typically range from 47 to 63 inches (120–160 cm) in width and 24 to 31 inches (60–80 cm) in depth, with a typical height ranging from 27 to 30 inches (68–76 cm).

According to international ergonomic studies, a desk should have a minimum width of 21 inches (55 cm) to ensure adequate legroom. Fortunately, most desks on the market already meet or exceed this standard.

To meet the evolving needs of modern workspaces, desks now come in a wide variety of sizes. For instance, IKEA’s more compact TORALD desk measures 25 ¾" wide × 15 ¾" deep (65 × 40 cm), while the popular LINNMON desk is 39 ⅜" wide × 23 ⅝" deep (100 × 60 cm).

Ideally, desk depth should fall between 18 and 30 inches (45–75 cm). Desks that are too deep can affect arm positioning and lead to poor posture.

Staying within this depth range helps users maintain a natural sitting position with relaxed shoulders and forearms, reducing the need to lean forward or sideways.

A desk depth of at least 27.5 inches (70 cm) also helps reduce eye strain, supporting a more comfortable and ergonomically sound working experience.

2-Person Desk(Double Desk) Dimensions

The ideal size for a two-person desk typically ranges from 71 to 79 inches (180–200 cm) in width and 24 to 31 inches (60–80 cm) in depth, providing enough space for two people to sit comfortably side by side.

If you're setting up a face-to-face workstation, a depth of at least 47 to 59 inches (120–150 cm) is recommended to ensure a more comfortable and spacious experience.

To determine the right size, start by estimating how much space one person needs. Then, double that width and add an additional 4 inches (10 cm) in between as a buffer to give both users enough elbow room and personal space.

L-Shaped Desk Dimensions

The ideal size for an L-shaped desk is similar to a two-person desk, typically ranging from 71-79 inches (180-200 cm) in width and 24-31 inches (60-80 cm) in depth. The side desk depth commonly falls between 18-24 inches (45-60 cm).

When choosing an L-shaped desk, consider both your workspace needs and personal comfort. Place your chair in front of the desk and check if you have enough lumbar and legroom for a comfortable sitting experience.

Ideal Gaming Desk Dimensions

A good size for a gaming desk is typically between 59–71 inches (150–180 cm) wide and 28–32 inches (71–81 cm) deep. Gaming setups often require more space for multiple monitors, a high-performance PC, speakers, controllers, a dedicated microphone, and other accessories. A larger surface provides the room needed to keep everything organized and within reach.

Executive Desk dimensions

Common executive desk sizes include 72" × 36" (182.9 × 91.4 cm), which offers ample space for large monitors, documents, laptops, phones, and other peripherals.

Smaller options are also available—a 63" × 29" (160 × 73.7 cm) desk, for example, can work well as a compact executive setup.

For those who need even more workspace, larger sizes like 86" × 39" (218.4 × 99.1 cm) are also readily available on the market.

Extension Table Dimensions (For Dining)

The size of extension tables can vary quite a bit. Smaller models typically range from 35 inches (88.9 cm) to 65 inches (165.1 cm) wide, and 35 inches (88.9 cm) to 42 inches (106.7 cm) deep — a great fit for cozy apartments or compact dining areas.

Larger extension tables, on the other hand, can expand from 72 inches (182.9 cm) up to 108 inches (274.3 cm) in width, with depths between 42 inches (106.7 cm) and 44 inches (111.8 cm), making them ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties.

Extension tables strike the ideal balance between space efficiency and adaptability — compact for daily use, yet easily expanded to welcome more guests or activities when needed. A thoughtful solution for the dynamic needs of modern living.

2. How to Choose the Right Desk Dimensions?

Selecting the right desk dimensions is essential for a comfortable and efficient workspace.

The desk size should suit your body proportions and daily needs, ensuring proper posture and enough space for your essentials. In the following sections, we'll focus on two key factors to consider: your body size and the items you typically keep on your desk.

Choosing the Right Desk for Your Body Type

When choosing a desk, it's important to consider different body types and comfort needs. For taller individuals or those who require more space, factors like arm length, turning room, and leg positioning can significantly impact overall comfort. 

Desk height also plays a key role—most models range from 28 inches (70 cm) in Japanese designs to 30 inches (75 cm) in standard models. If you're under 5'9" (175 cm), a desk taller than 28 inches (70 cm) may not be the most ergonomic fit.

Checking the desk's height specifications ensures you find an option that best supports your posture and workspace efficiency.

Plan Your Ideal Desk Setup

Next, think about how you’ll use your desk. Is it primarily for reading, working, or gaming? What equipment will you need? Do you require drawers for additional storage?

Consider the items you'll place on your desk, such as a keyboard, mouse, and laptop. Beyond the essentials, do you also need space for a PC tower on either side? If your PC tower takes up 8 inches (20 cm) of desk space, will the remaining area be enough for comfortable use?

If you plan to use dual monitors, would a monitor stand help, or would a larger desk provide a more spacious, comfortable setup? Make sure there’s still room for writing and organizing documents after placing your keyboard.

Lastly, beyond essential equipment, don’t forget to leave some space for decorative items or personal touches to make your workspace feel more inviting and uniquely yours..

Choosing the Right Desk for Your Space

Before selecting a desk, evaluate the area where you plan to place it. While a larger desk might better suit your needs, your space may have limitations. Use a measuring tape to determine the maximum available length and width, ensuring a comfortable fit without overcrowding the room.

Don’t forget the desk Height when Considering Desk Dimensions.

Besides considering the equipment you’ll use, think about what activities you’ll do at your desk when determining the right dimensions.

When using a computer, you may need a lower desk height to keep your elbows fully relaxed. However, if you tend to use your desk mainly for reading and writing, it should be about 0.8–2 inches (2–5 cm) higher than a typical computer desk. A slightly higher desk can help reduce neck strain during these activities.

Additionally, writing also requires precise hand control, so proper forearm support is essential for stability and to prevent shoulder strain.

A height-adjustable standing desk provides the best solution, allowing you to customize the height to match different activities. (👉Make sure the desk’s height range suits your needs before making a purchase.)

3. Desk Dimensions for dual monitors

Do you have specific requirements for your desk? Many people prefer using dual monitors while working. For a comfortable dual-monitor setup, a desk width of 63-71 inches (160-180 cm) and a depth of 28 inches (70 cm) or more is ideal.

For a dual-monitor arrangement, an ideal desk width is 63–71 inches (160–180 cm), with a depth of at least 28 inches (70 cm). Two 27-inch monitors placed side by side typically require 48–49 inches (122–125 cm) in width, meaning a 47-inch (120 cm) desk may not fully accommodate them.

Depth is just as important. A 24-inch (60 cm) deep desk can also feel cramped, as monitor stands typically occupy 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) of depth, leaving limited workspace. To maximize comfort, consider a 28–31 inch (70–80 cm) deep desk or use a monitor arm to free up valuable surface area.

4. FAQs on Desk Sizes and Measurements

What is the most common desk size?

The most common desk dimensions are approximately 47–59 inches wide, 24–31 inches deep, and 26–30 inches high (W × D × H). This size range typically suits general office or home use and offers enough space for everyday tasks.

Is a 24 inch desk deep enough?

A 24-inch (60 cm) deep desk is generally sufficient for most basic setups. However, it's important to consider whether your monitor will sit far enough from your eyes. Ideally, the distance between your eyes and the screen should be at least 45–60 cm to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.

 If you're using a 27-inch monitor, we recommend keeping it 60–70 cm away from your eyes to avoid eye strain.

Also, think about your personal setup: if you need space for items beyond just a keyboard and mouse—like notebooks, speakers, or decor—a 20-inch deep desk may feel too cramped.

What is the Minimum desk depth?

The recommended minimum desk depth is 24 inches (60 cm). If the desktop is too shallow—under 55 cm, for instance—your monitor may sit too close to your eyes, increasing the risk of discomfort or visual fatigue.

A shallow desk can also make it difficult to comfortably arrange essentials like your keyboard, mouse, and writing materials.

5. A Quick Recap of Recommended Desk Dimensions

Single-person Desk Dimensions: 47-63 inches × 24-31 inches (120-160 cm × 60-80 cm)

2-person Desk Dimensions: 71-79 inches × 24-31 inches (180-200 cm × 60-80 cm)

L Shaped Desk Dimensions: 71-79 inches × 24-31 inches (180-200 cm × 60-80 cm)

Gaming Desk Dimensions: 59-71 inches × 28-32 inches (150-180 cm × 71-81 cm)

Executive Desk dimensions: 72 inches × 36 inches (182.9 × 91.4 cm)

Desk Dimensions for Dual Monitors: 63-71 inches × 28-31 inches (160-180 cm × 70-80 cm)

If you’re unsure about the ideal desk dimensions for your setup, a 47-inch desk is a safe and versatile choice! The Dezctop Bifrost Elite 120 Standing Desk measures 47.2 x 27.6 inches, offering a classic desk width with a 27.6-inch depth—just the right size! A height-adjustable desk adapts to the user's needs, eliminating the risk of selecting an unsuitable desk height. Its flexibility also makes it perfect for shared spaces — easily accommodating family members of different heights.

〈Bifrost Elite 120 Standing Desk〉

Pairing it with the D-Board pegboard frees up more desk space while providing additional storage options, including matching storage container, shelves, and hooks for organizing stationery and accessories.

For gaming setups, Dezctop also offers dedicated controller holders and Switch holders, ensuring a perfect fit for all your needs.

If you're looking for a desk with a larger surface and more workspace, consider the Bifrost Elite 160, which measures 63 x 27.6 inches (160 x 70 cm). The extra-wide desktop provides plenty of room to work, create, and stay organized.

At Dezctop, we make it easy to discover your perfect balance between sitting and standing as we offer innovative solutions tailored to different needs. Whether for your home office or gaming room, our ergonomic standing desks, chairs, and accessories help you maintain optimal comfort and productivity throughout the day. Explore our adjustable-height standing desks and chairs to create a dynamic work environment that supports your health and inspires your best work.