How High Should Your Monitor Be? A Guide to Proper Monitor Height
If you spend hours working at a computer, your monitor height can have a big impact on your posture and overall comfort. A screen that's positioned too high, too low, or too far away may encourage you to tilt your head, lean forward, or work in an uncomfortable position.
1) How High Should Your Monitor Be?
As a general ergonomic starting point, position your monitor so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level when you're sitting upright. Your primary viewing area should be comfortably below your natural eye level, allowing you to look slightly downward without bending your neck.
2) How Far Should Your Monitor Be From Your Eyes?
As a general starting point, your monitor should be approximately an arm's length away. The exact distance will depend on the size of your monitor, your vision, and the size of text and content on your screen. You shouldn't have to lean forward to read your monitor.
3) Should Your Monitor Be Tilted?
A slight monitor tilt can help create a comfortable viewing angle. Once your screen is at the correct height, adjust its tilt so you can comfortably see the entire display while maintaining a neutral head and neck position.
4) Monitor Height When Using Two Monitors
A dual-monitor setup should be configured based on how you actually use the screens. If you use one monitor as your primary screen, position it directly in front of you. Place the secondary monitor beside it and angle it slightly toward you.
5) What About Large or Ultrawide Monitors?
The bigger the monitor, the more important it becomes to consider both viewing distance and screen height. You may need to position a large display slightly farther away so you can comfortably view the entire screen without excessive head movement.
6) Can a Monitor Arm Improve Your Ergonomic Setup?
One of the easiest ways to improve monitor positioning is with an adjustable monitor arm which will allow you to adjust:
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- Monitor height
- Viewing distance
- Screen tilt
- Screen angle
- Position for sitting and standing
This can be particularly useful with sit-stand desks, where your monitor position may need to accommodate multiple working heights.
7) Don't Adjust Your Monitor Before Your Chair
Your monitor shouldn't be the first part of your workstation you adjust. Start with your ergonomic office chair. Sit back comfortably with your feet supported and adjust your chair and desk position so your arms can work comfortably at the keyboard and mouse. Once you've established a comfortable working posture, bring the monitor to you.
A Quick Monitor Setup Checklist
- Position the top of your monitor at or slightly below eye level
- Keep the screen approximately an arm's length away
- Centre your primary monitor directly in front of you
- Avoid leaning forward to read the screen
- Adjust the screen angle for comfortable viewing
- Position frequently viewed content within an easy viewing area
- Use a monitor arm or adjustable stand when additional positioning is needed
- Build a Better Ergonomic Workstation
Your office chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, monitor and accessories should work together to support a comfortable working position and make it easy to change positions throughout the day. Small workstation adjustments can make a meaningful difference when you spend hours at a desk.
Need help improving your workstation? Chairlines can help you choose ergonomic office furniture and accessories designed to create a more comfortable workspace.