Do you need a footrest? How to tell and what to pick

The two-minute test

A footrest fixes one specific problem: a desk that is too high for you. Here is how to tell if you have it.

1. Sit in your chair and raise or lower it until your hands rest on the keyboard at about elbow height, with your shoulders relaxed. Mayo Clinic's office ergonomics guide describes the target as hands at or slightly below the level of your elbows.
2. Now look at your feet. OSHA's chair guidance says the seat is at the right height when the whole sole of your foot rests on the floor and the back of your knee sits slightly higher than the seat.
3. If your feet dangle, or only your toes touch, you need a footrest.
4. Measure the gap between your heels and the floor. That is roughly the height your footrest needs to reach.

If your feet are flat and your arms are comfortable, you do not need one. A footrest under feet that already reach the floor just pushes your knees up.

Why not just lower the chair?

You can, but then the desk is too high for your arms. OSHA's guidance puts it simply: if the seat cannot be lowered without raising the keyboard or monitor too high for you, use a footrest. Most desks are a fixed height, and most of us cannot change them, which is why a footrest is often the cheapest fix in a small home office. UCLA Ergonomics describes a footrest as a simple way to modify a workstation that is too high.

The options

We have not used these footrests ourselves. Heights and sizes come from UCLA Ergonomics' footrest page and a retailer listing, linked at the end.

For most people: Kensington SoleMate Plus

UCLA Ergonomics lists this footrest at 3.5 to 5 inches high, with a 20 x 13 inch platform that tilts and rocks or can be locked in place, and notes its large surface suits most users. It is the one to start with if your heels sit a few inches above the floor.

More height on a budget: Mind Reader Adjustable-Height Footrest

Rising to about 6.7 inches, it covers a bigger gap than the Kensington. UCLA Ergonomics calls it a good choice for shorter users, but notes it rocks without locking and tends to slide on hard floors, so it works best on carpet.

For high desks and stools: Mind Reader Ergonomic Adjustable Footrest

A steel footrest that adjusts from about 6 to 12 inches and locks in place. UCLA Ergonomics recommends it mainly for standing-height work surfaces, lab benches and stools. If you work at a kitchen counter or a bar-height table, this is the type you need.

For fidgety feet: Humanscale FM300 Foot Machine

A hardwood platform on a steel frame that rocks on ball-bearing rollers, adjustable from 3.75 to 6.75 inches. It is compact and well made, but costs far more than the others.

How to choose

Height range first

Pick a footrest whose range covers the gap you measured, with a little to spare either way.

Then tilt and grip

• Rocking platforms let your ankles move. Some people like this; others find it distracting.
• Lockable platforms stay at one angle. Useful if you want your feet still.
• Hard floors: look for rubber feet or a lockable base; UCLA notes some footrests slide on hard flooring.

Then size

The platform should be wide enough for both feet without crowding your chair's base. Under a small desk, check the footrest's depth against the legroom you have.

Setting it up

1. Set your chair for your arms first (step 1 of the test above).
2. Place the footrest where your feet naturally fall, not tucked far back.
3. Adjust the height so your thighs are about parallel to the floor; Mayo Clinic suggests a footrest so your thighs are parallel to the floor if your feet do not reach.
4. Check there is still a small gap between the front of the seat and the backs of your knees. If not, adjust seat depth; see how to adjust an office chair.

Footrest alternatives

• A sturdy box or a stack of books works as a test. If it helps, buy a proper footrest with a non-slip base.
• A lower desk removes the need altogether. A small standing desk can be set to exactly your sitting height.
• A keyboard tray that sits below the desk lets you lower your chair so your feet reach the floor.

Frequently asked questions

Is a footrest useful at a standing desk? A low footrest or a bar to rest one foot on can make standing more comfortable for some people, and the taller Mind Reader is designed for standing-height surfaces.

Do short people always need one? Not always. If your chair goes low enough while your hands are still at elbow height on the keyboard, you do not need one. The test above decides.

Will a footrest fit under a small desk? Most are 16 to 20 inches wide and 11 to 14 inches deep. Measure your legroom first.

Still setting up your chair? See compact office chairs and what size desk you need.