A workstation can fit on the floor plan and still feel cramped after monitors, chairs, pedestals and cables arrive. A desk that suits laptop work may be too shallow for 2 monitors. A wide desk may also waste space when the employee works mainly on calls. This office workstation size guide explains how to choose desk width, depth, height and surrounding clearances. This is the primary and most important section while planning office furniture for your space.
Start with the task and equipment
Prepare an equipment list first. The employee’s equipment decides how much desk surface is required.
- Laptop or desktop computer
- Number and size of monitors
- Keyboard and mouse
- Telephone or headset dock
- Documents used during work
- CPU placement
- Personal storage
- Power and data points
| Workstation size | Suitable use | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|
| 900 × 600 mm | Laptop, calls or compact single-monitor work | Works where files and accessories remain limited |
| 1,200 × 600 mm | General computer work | Gives more side space for a monitor and documents |
| 1,200 × 750 mm | Dual monitors or regular paperwork | Extra depth helps with screen distance |
| 1,500 × 750 mm | Technical, design or document-heavy work | Check whether the added area will be used daily |
| 1,500–1,800 × 750 mm | Specialist equipment or senior work point | Needs more floor area and cable planning |
Urban Office’s UO-WS105 non-sharing workstation includes a 900 × 600 × 750 mm single-seater module. Its 2-seater version measures 1,800 × 600 × 750 mm.
The UO-WS106 sharing workstation uses a 900 × 1,200 × 750 mm 2-seater module and a 1,800 × 1,200 × 750 mm 4-seater module.
Check workstation width, depth and height
Depth protects viewing distance. A 900 mm-wide position can suit laptop work. A 1,200 mm position gives most general office users more space for monitors and documents.
OSHA recommends enough desk depth to place a monitor at least 20 inches, about 510 mm, from the user’s eyes. A 600 mm-deep desk can work with compact monitors or monitor arms. A 750 mm-deep desk gives more room for larger displays.
Urban Office’s standard workstation height is 750 mm. Some users may need a footrest or keyboard adjustment even when the desk height is fixed.
Keep CPUs, cartons and loose files out of the leg area. OSHA gives reference minimums of about 450 mm knee depth, 610 mm foot depth and 530 mm clear width below a workstation.
Pro tip: Draw the monitor, keyboard, mouse, pedestal and cable raceway on the shop drawing. A blank rectangle hides most sizing problems.
Allow space for chairs and walkways
Measure from the working chair position. An occupied chair projects beyond the rear edge of the desk, and employees need room to stand, turn and pass.
| Movement area | Practical planning range |
|---|---|
| Chair pull-out allowance | About 600–700 mm |
| Low-traffic access behind a chair | 900–1,000 mm |
| Passage behind occupied chairs | 1,200–1,500 mm |
| Secondary department route | 1,200–1,500 mm |
| Main office walkway | 1,500–1,800 mm |
A 600 mm-deep desk with a 600 mm chair zone already occupies about 1,200 mm before a walkway is added.
Pedestals, lockers and full-height storage affect circulation too. Draw their doors and drawers in the open position.
OSHA says office aisles and passageways should remain clear of obstructions.
Choose workstation sizes by employee role
Standardise by work type. Sales and customer-support teams may work well at 900 × 600 mm positions when they use laptops, headsets and one screen.
IT and software teams often benefit from 1,200 × 600 mm or 1,200 × 750 mm positions for dual monitors and docking equipment.
Finance and accounts teams may need 1,200 to 1,500 mm width for files and calculators. Keep bulk records in shared storage rather than below the desk.
Design and technical teams may need 1,500 × 750 mm or a task-specific table. Ask the department to place its actual equipment on a sample top.
Shared desks should support the largest regular equipment setup expected at that location. Personal storage should move to lockers.
Urban Office’s UO-CT101 and UO-CT102 cabin tables use a 1,200 × 600 mm main top with a 900 × 400 mm return or storage unit.
Test the workstation before bulk production
Build one working position. Place the selected top, screen, chair, pedestal, monitor, power box, raceway, vertical spine and CPU holder together.
Ask several employees to use it for at least a working day. Check screen distance, mouse space, armrest clearance, leg room, cable access, chair movement, glare and cleaning access.
OSHA recommends matt work surfaces to reduce glare and rounded leading edges where the arms touch the desk.
Urban Office workstations use 25 mm pre-laminated particle-board tops, MS square legs, fabric or glass screens and built-in 150 mm wire-management raceways.
The office space planning service coordinates workstation modules with chair movement, storage and circulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard office workstation size in India?
India does not have one workstation size for every job. A 900 × 600 mm position is compact, while 1,200 × 600 mm or 1,200 × 750 mm gives more room.
Is a 600 mm-deep workstation enough?
It can suit laptop or compact monitor setups. Test the screen distance, keyboard, cable box and monitor stand.
How much width does one employee need?
A 900 mm-wide position can work for compact tasks. General computer and document work often benefits from 1,200 mm or more.
What is the common workstation height?
Urban Office’s modular workstations use a 750 mm finished height.
How much space should be left behind a workstation?
Plan around 900 to 1,000 mm for low-traffic access and roughly 1,200 to 1,500 mm where people regularly walk behind occupied chairs.
Ready to plan office workstations in Jaipur?
Urban Office can apply this office workstation size guide for Indian offices to your headcount, equipment, storage and floor area. Book a free consultation for modular furniture and turnkey interiors in Jaipur.
About the author
Renu Maharshi
Head of Business Development
Renu has 10+ years in corporate business development helping Jaipur businesses across IT, finance, and corporate sectors plan offices that work for their teams. At Urban Office, with 300+ completed projects across Jaipur, Ajmer, Alwar, and Sikar, she helps clients turn business requirements into practical office plans.
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