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Adjusting an office chair correctly: Seat height, backrest, and armrests
Adjusting an office chair correctly: Seat height, backrest, and armrests
by Wiepa GmbH on Jul 03, 2026Ergonomics Guide
Adjusting Your Office Chair Correctly: Seat Height, Backrest, and Armrests
A good office chair is only truly helpful if it is adjusted correctly. Crucial elements are seat height, seat depth, backrest, armrests, and its position relative to the desk.
Many workplace complaints arise not only from long sitting periods but also from improperly adjusted chairs. With a few simple adjustments, the sitting position can often be significantly improved.
Brief Answer
Adjust your office chair so that your feet are firmly on the floor, your knees are bent at approximately a right angle, the backrest supports your back, and the armrests allow your shoulders to relax.
Why correct adjustment is important
An ergonomic office chair is not a "set it and forget it" item. It can only fulfill its purpose when it is adjusted to the person, the desk, and the working style. A brief adjustment routine is especially worthwhile for changing workstations.
- better back support
- more relaxed shoulder and arm posture
- more stable sitting position
- better adaptation to body height and desk height
- more comfort throughout the workday
Adjusting your office chair: The most important points
| Area | What to look for? | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | Feet firmly on the floor, knees at approximately a right angle | secure ground contact |
| Seat depth | Back in contact with the backrest, some space remaining at the front | good support without pressure |
| Backrest | Backrest follows the back and supports the lumbar region | more upright sitting |
| Armrests | Forearms rest loosely, shoulders remain relaxed | less shoulder tension |
1. Adjusting seat height correctly
Seat height is the first step. Your feet should be fully and firmly on the floor. If the desk is too high and the chair therefore needs to be set higher, a footrest can be useful.
Matching item: Footrests in the office: when they make sense
2. Adjusting backrest and lumbar support
The backrest should comfortably support the back. Many office chairs offer an adjustable lumbar support or a flexible backrest. It is important that the support does not press, but rather aids natural posture.
3. Using armrests correctly
Armrests are meant to relieve strain on the arms, not push the shoulders up. Adjust the armrests so that your forearms rest loosely and your shoulders remain relaxed. If armrests do not match the desk height, they can also be disruptive.
4. Dynamic sitting instead of staying rigid
Even a perfectly adjusted chair does not replace movement. Regularly change your sitting position, stand up occasionally, and use the chair's movement functions, if available.
Matching products in the Wiepa Shop
Checklist: Adjusting your office chair correctly
- Adjust chair height to body size and desk height.
- Place feet firmly on the floor.
- Check seat depth and bring your back against the backrest.
- Adjust the backrest or lumbar support comfortably.
- Adjust armrests so that shoulders remain relaxed.
- Align monitor, keyboard, and mouse appropriately.
- Regularly change posture and stand up.
More on this: Monitor arm or monitor stand and Ergonomic Workplace according to DGUV
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should an office chair be set?
So that your feet are firmly on the floor and your knees are bent at approximately a right angle. At the same time, your arm posture should match the desk height.
When do you need a footrest?
If the chair needs to be set higher due to the desk height and your feet can no longer firmly reach the floor.
Are armrests on an office chair useful?
Yes, if they are adjusted correctly. They should support the forearms and relax the shoulders, not push them up.
Sources and Guidance
This article serves as practical guidance for ergonomic office furnishing. Crucial factors include body height, desk height, sitting duration, working style, existing equipment, and individual workplace adjustment.
Related pages: Office Furniture, Office Chairs, Office Supplies and Ergonomics in the Shop
Selecting and Adjusting Office Chairs Appropriately
Wiepa supports companies in Wiesbaden and Rhein-Main with ergonomic office chairs, workplace design, office furnishings, and personal consulting.
