Planning & resources

School Furniture Size & Height Guide

Compare chair, desk and table heights for your learning space. Start with student fit, then confirm the dimensions of the products you are considering.

Measure chair and work-surface heights together Side-view illustration showing seat height measured from the floor to the chair seat, and work-surface height measured from the floor to the top of the desk. Illustration is not to scale. Seat height Work-surface height
Choose the chair and work surface together.

Use the charts as a starting point. Confirm the fit and current manufacturer specifications before ordering.

01 / Chair sizes

Start with the right chair height.

Use the chart to narrow your options, then check the fit with the students who will use the furniture.

Chair height quick reference
Student group Seat height
Pre-K 12″ ≈ 305 mm
Kindergarten 12–14″ ≈ 305–356 mm
Grade 1 14″ ≈ 356 mm
Grade 2 14–16″ ≈ 356–406 mm
Grades 3–4 16″ ≈ 406 mm
Grades 5–12 18″ ≈ 457 mm

Grade-based starting points adapted from the Smith System height guide (opens in a new tab) . Individual fit and manufacturer sizing take priority. Metric values are rounded.

Fixed-height or adjustable chairs?

Fixed height

A practical choice when the size suits the student. Keep a mix of heights available when students have different needs.

Adjustable height

Useful for shared spaces and students of different heights. Check that the adjustment range suits the users and that feet remain supported.

Found the chair height? Pair it with the work surface.

Desk & table heights

02 / Desk & table heights

Match the desk or table to the chair.

Start with a chair that fits the student, then use these pairings to compare work-surface heights.

Chair + work-surface pairings
Chair seat height Approx. desk / table height
12″ ≈ 305 mm 22″ ≈ 559 mm
14″ ≈ 356 mm 24″ ≈ 610 mm
16″ ≈ 406 mm 27″ ≈ 686 mm
18″ ≈ 457 mm 29″ ≈ 737 mm

Planning references adapted from the Smith System height guide (opens in a new tab) . Check the exact product dimensions and student fit. Metric values are rounded.

What about stools and higher tables?

Pair the stool and work surface together, and check that the footrest provides comfortable support. These are approximate pairings from the same manufacturer guide.

Stool and high-table pairings
Stool seat height Approx. table height
24″ ≈ 610 mm 36″ ≈ 914 mm
28″ ≈ 711 mm 40″ ≈ 1,016 mm
30″ ≈ 762 mm 42″ ≈ 1,067 mm
When should I choose adjustable-height furniture?

Adjustable desks and tables can suit shared classrooms, students of different heights and spaces that change use throughout the day.

  • Check the minimum and maximum height against the chair sizes you plan to use.
  • Confirm whether adjustment needs tools or can be made easily between users.
  • Check leg clearance throughout the usable range, including frames and storage trays.

Ready to check a specific product?

View manufacturer guides

03 / Manufacturer resources

Confirm the fit with the manufacturer.

Use these resources to check sizing, available heights and specifications for the exact furniture you are considering.

Smith System

Chair and table height pairings by grade level.

View height guide Opens in a new tab

VS America

Sizing guidance for student seating, desks and tables.

View size guides Opens in a new tab

Alumni Educational Solutions

Table sizing, configurations and product specifications.

View design resources Opens in a new tab
More manufacturer specifications
Global Furniture Group Product specifications Opens in a new tab KI Design resources and cut sheets Opens in a new tab Allseating Seating specifications and guides Opens in a new tab SitOnIt Seating Product literature and downloads Opens in a new tab Workspace48 Specification sheets and literature Opens in a new tab Flexxform Child-size soft seating Opens in a new tab Offices To Go Catalogues and product dimensions Opens in a new tab Fellowes Height-adjustable table guidance Opens in a new tab 9to5 Seating Product dimensions and brochures Opens in a new tab Trojan Classroom Furniture Early-learning furniture specifications Opens in a new tab

Manufacturer links open in a new tab. Check the current specifications for your chosen model before ordering.

Need help choosing the right sizes?

Send us your grade levels, room details and the products you are considering. Our team can help you narrow down the options.

Speak to our team