How High Should a Footrest Be?
The correct footrest height is specific to your body and setup — not a universal number. The right height is whatever closes the gap between the floor and your feet when your chair is at the correct keyboard height. Here’s how to measure it precisely and which footrests cover which ranges.
How to Measure Your Correct Footrest Height
Set your chair to keyboard height: elbows at roughly 90 degrees, forearms parallel to the desk. In this position, sit normally and let your feet hang naturally. Measure the distance from the bottom of your feet to the floor. That measurement is the footrest height you need.
Don’t guess or use averages. A footrest that’s half an inch too tall tilts your knees upward and creates a different postural problem. One that’s half an inch too short leaves residual thigh pressure. The measurement takes 30 seconds and eliminates the guesswork.
Height Ranges by User Height
At a standard 28–30 inch desk with a chair set to keyboard height, shorter users consistently need more lift. A user who is 5’0″ tall typically needs 5–6 inches. A user who is 5’5″ typically needs 3–4 inches. A user who is 5’10” may need 0–2 inches. These vary with chair and desk specifics — always measure your own gap.
BlissTrends Memory Foam Foot Rest
~$25–30
Low setting: approximately 3–4 inches. High setting: approximately 4–5 inches. Covers the most common range for users 5’2″–5’8″ at standard desk height. Memory foam, rocking base. The right starting point for most users.
Best for: Users who measured a 3–5 inch foot-floor gap — covers the most common range at this price
ComfiLife Memory Foam Footrest
~$35–40
Taller profile: up to 6 inches of lift. The right choice when your measured gap exceeds 5 inches. Wider surface also helps when significant elevation is needed — more stability at greater height. If you’re under 5’2″ at a standard desk, this is likely the better match.
Best for: Users who measured a 5–6 inch gap — the BlissTrends won’t reach; this one will
Mind Reader Adjustable Footrest
~$25–30
Same height range as the BlissTrends but firm platform instead of foam. If you measured 3–5 inches and work with shoes on, this is the material-appropriate choice. The height range is equivalent; the surface is the differentiator.
Best for: 3–5 inch gap, shoes worn at desk — same height range as BlissTrends with a firm surface for footwear