How to Set Up a Standing Desk Converter in 6 Steps

To set up a standing desk converter, place it on a sturdy desk directly in front of you, then adjust two positions: a seated position where your chair brings your elbows up to keyboard height, and a standing position where the keyboard sits at your standing elbow height. In both positions, the top of your screen should be at or slightly below eye level. The steps below walk through each part, including the most common converter problem: a keyboard that sits too high when you are sitting.

This is general workstation setup information, not medical advice. If you have pain or an injury, ask a qualified health professional about your setup.

Before You Start

Colorado State University’s ergonomics program points out that most converters sit on an existing desktop and raise the keyboard and mouse above a surface that is already too high for comfortable seated work, and that they can limit monitor height and viewing distance. The setup steps below are about working around those limits. If you are still deciding whether a converter is right for you, see our standing desk vs desk converter comparison.

You will need a tape measure, your usual work shoes and about 20 minutes.

How to Set Up a Desk Converter in 6 Steps

1. Check the desk and the converter’s weight limit

The desk should be deep and sturdy enough for the converter’s base, with room left in front if the converter has a keyboard tray. Add up the weight of your monitors, laptop and accessories and compare it with the converter’s listed capacity. Some converters list separate limits for the top surface and the keyboard tray, so check both.

2. Center the converter in front of you

Place the converter so your keyboard and screen will be directly in front of you, not off to one side. OSHA’s guidance is to place the keyboard directly in front of you at a distance that lets your elbows stay close to your body. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how close to the desk’s front edge the base can sit.

3. Set your seated position with the chair

Lower the converter fully and sit down. OSHA says your elbows should be about the same height as the keyboard and hang comfortably at your sides, with your wrists straight and in line with your forearms. On a converter, the keyboard is often higher than a normal desk, so:

• Raise your chair until your elbows are level with the keyboard.
• If your feet no longer rest flat on the floor, use a footrest. OSHA advises a footrest when the seat cannot be lowered because the keyboard or monitor would otherwise be too high.
• Check that your thighs still clear the desk or the converter’s tray.

4. Set your standing position

Stand in your usual shoes and raise the converter until the keyboard is at about your standing elbow height. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) describes the right standing height as approximately your standing elbow height, with your elbows close to your body and bent at about 90 degrees. Our standing desk height guide shows how to measure it. If your converter has height presets or a marked scale, note both of your settings.

5. Position the monitor

In both positions, check the screen:

• Height: OSHA recommends placing the monitor so the top line of the screen is at or below eye level.
• Distance: OSHA gives a preferred viewing distance of 20 to 40 inches.
• Bifocals or progressive lenses: OSHA advises lowering the monitor below the usual position.

If the converter’s top surface leaves the screen too low or too close, a monitor stand or arm can help, as long as the converter is rated for the added weight. A laptop on its own usually needs a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can sit higher than your hands.

6. Tidy cables and test the full range

Leave enough cable slack for the converter to reach its highest position without pulling on your monitor or laptop. Raise and lower it once through the full range to check that nothing catches, and keep your mouse next to the keyboard. OSHA notes that a mouse placed close to the keyboard minimizes repetitive reaching.

Common Converter Problems and Fixes

Switching Between Sitting and Standing

A converter only helps if you use both positions. Ergonomics programs recommend alternating through the day rather than standing for long stretches. Our guide on how long to stand at a standing desk covers the routines they suggest. When you switch, reset both the converter and, if needed, your chair.

Converters With a Separate Keyboard Tray

A keyboard tray that sits below the monitor surface makes it easier to get both heights right. These converters have one; our guide to the best standing desk converters compares more options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high should a desk converter be when standing?

High enough to put your keyboard at about your standing elbow height, with your elbows bent at roughly 90 degrees and your wrists straight.

Why does my desk converter feel too high when I sit?

Because it sits on top of your desk, the keyboard tray can end up above your seated elbow height even at its lowest setting. Raise your chair until your elbows are level with the keyboard and use a footrest if your feet no longer rest flat.

Where should my monitor go on a desk converter?

With the top line of the screen at or below eye level and 20 to 40 inches from your eyes, per OSHA. Use a stand or arm if the converter cannot reach that position on its own.

Can I use a laptop on a desk converter?

Yes, but with a laptop alone either the screen or the keyboard will be at the wrong height. A separate keyboard and mouse let you raise the laptop screen while keeping your hands at elbow height.

Sources

• OSHA, Computer Workstations eTool: Keyboards
• OSHA, Computer Workstations eTool: Chairs
• OSHA, Computer Workstations eTool: Monitors
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Office Ergonomics: Sit/Stand Desk
• Colorado State University, Height-Adjustable Workstations

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