Based on the purpose they are designed to fulfill, desks can come in many different shapes and sizes. A larger desk means a bigger workspace but also requires a lot more room. This might not be suitable for people with a home office that want to save as much space as they can. A small desk might fit nicely but won’t give you enough room to feel comfortable while working.
So, to determine how long of a desk you need, you first need to figure out where you want to put it and what you’ll be using it for.
In this article, we’ll talk about how desks are measured as well as the dimensions for the most common types of desks out there.
How Are Desks Measured?
Most desks are measured like any other object—by length, width, and height. Desks come in many different dimensions, but the most common dimensions are as follows:
- An average length of a desk is usually between 60-72 inches.
- The minimal width should not be under 25 inches because most modern desks need enough space to fit an average 20-inch computer screen.
- The height of a desk is most commonly anywhere between 26 and 30 inches.
Desk Types and Dimensions
There are many different types of desks on the market. From typical office desks to majestic executive ones, desks come in all shapes and sizes.
In this part of the article, we’ll focus on some of the most common desk types as well as their dimensions and uses.
Standard Desk
The dimensions of a standard desk are based on the average human height, which is between 5.5 to 6 feet. That’s why most standard desks have a height of 28-30 inches. This height ensures that you’ll have enough room for your legs.
The standard desk is made with an average person in mind, so if you fit the height criteria, you won’t have to slouch down and will get to maintain the correct posture. Now, if you are above the average height or are taller than 6 feet, then you should definitely consider getting a desk with an adjustable height.
The most common length of a desk is around 60 inches, but it can go up to 72 inches if that’s what you’re looking for. The minimal width of a desk should be 25 inches. This width is good enough and allows a regular 23- to 24-inch monitor to sit on top of the desk comfortably without compromising desk space.
When it comes to workspace and storage options, a standard desk sits right there at the top with the executive desk. It offers a large-enough workspace and various storage options that can cater to many different job positions. The most important thing is that it can fit a computer screen, keyboard, and all other equipment that most office workers need on a daily basis.
Office Desk
Office desks, just like standard desks, are built with the height of an average person in mind. The length of an office desk can vary based on the needs of a particular company.
The most common lengths for an office desk are 48, 60, and 72 inches. The height of an office desk is between 28-30 inches, with the width being a minimum of 25 inches so that a standard computer screen can fit on it without too much hassle.
Computer Desk
Unlike the office desk, a computer desk is not usually made to have enough room to accommodate various notes and papers, which is a common occurrence in most offices. The main purpose of a computer desk is, as the name suggests, to fit your computer equipment and is often used by graphic designers or as a part of a gaming setup.
The standard length of a computer desk is around 50 inches, with the height anywhere between 28-30 inches. The depth, in most cases, is about 25 inches to make room for large monitors and other various computer accessories you’ll need, depending on your setup.
These types of desks are most commonly used in home offices and kids’ bedrooms. They can also be a great space-saving solution if made with that purpose in mind. That’s why most of them come with a pull-out tray for your keyboard and mouse.
Two-Monitor Desk
A two-monitor desk, as the name suggests, is made to fit two monitors on its surface. That’s why these types of desks are usually much bigger than standard office desks and offer more space.
Apart from monitors, this desk needs to accommodate any other type of equipment that you might need. This includes resource books, a mouse and keyboard, and any other essentials that you might need.
The width of a two-monitor desk should be more than 50 inches with a depth that allows for two monitors and other accessories. The height is the same when compared to a standard desk and is around 28-30 inches. The length can depend on many factors, but in most cases, it’s on the larger side—anywhere between 62-70 inches.
Built-In Desk
Built-in desks vary in size because they are usually built to serve the needs of a single person within a particular space. They are customizable and typically assembled by contractors. They’re also usually made to be foldable and seamlessly blend in with the rest of the room when not in use.
Writing Desk
Writing desks are made to serve one purpose, and that’s to allow their users to write with a pen and paper. That’s why they usually come with compartments that are used to store pens and paper. This is one of the oldest types of desks.
The standard dimensions are 28-30 inches in height and 36-40 inches in depth. The length can vary, but it usually sits anywhere between 48-60 inches. Writing desks are usually compact, and, nowadays, they’re often used purely for decoration purposes.
Credenza Desk
These types of desks are almost never used by a single person. The credenza desk is, for the most part, a place for storing and organizing papers and documents in the office. It’s there to keep the whole place tidy and neat and to allow easier access to files and folders for office workers.
Because of all of that, it’s sufficient to say that credenza desks are big. They have a lot of drawers and compartments. Like with the built-in desks, there is no average size for them. They usually come in a size that best suits the needs of a particular workspace or a company.
Executive Desk
These are the big boys. The purpose of an executive desk is not only to store and fit everything that an executive needs to perform their job but also to show off a certain level of success and create an aura of affluence.
In terms of its size, the executive desk can be as large as a credenza desk, but with one big difference; unlike a credenza desk, which is made to serve a whole office full of people, an executive desk has only one master, the boss!
It’s usually bulky and can be L-shaped or U-shaped for those executives that require some extra space. Executive desks are highly stylized and are often placed in the center of an office facing the door so an executive can easily see anyone who walks in.
Small Desk
A small desk, or a student’s desk, as it’s most commonly known, is the usual staple of a children’s room. They are not that practical and are too small to fit both books, notebooks, and pens all at the same time.
The average width of a small desk is between 24-30 inches, with a length of about 18 inches. In most cases, these types of desks don’t come with any storage room, like drawers and compartments. Because of that, they are most suited for students.
What Size Desk Should I Get?
Well, it all depends on your specific needs and wants. If you plan on using two monitors, you should probably look for a desk that’s 60 inches long and 25 inches wide.
If you are looking for a regular office desk, a length of 42 inches and a width of 25 inches should suffice. Just make sure that the desk comes with drawers so you can store your papers, files, and any other accessories you need to do your job.
When creating the perfect gaming setup, getting a good computer desk is a must. If that’s what you’re looking to do, you should look for a desk that’s about 50 inches long and 28 inches wide.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when buying a desk, you should always keep its purpose in mind. The dimensions can vary greatly depending on what you’ll be using it for. For instance, the average dimensions of a standard desk and a writing desk are not the same.
Do not be misled by their names either—don’t settle for an office desk just because you’ll be using it in the office. What you actually need might be an executive desk! Choose wisely.
