The ideal monitor riser height depends on your sitting posture, desk height, and monitor size. For most people, the top of the screen should sit at or slightly below eye level, with the monitor about an arm's length away.
That's the short answer. Here's how to actually get there.
Contents
1. Why the correct monitor stand height matters
2. How to find the correct monitor height
3. Monitor size reference table
4. Dual monitor setup
5. Monitor riser vs. monitor arm
6. Books vs. a monitor riser
7. One thing most people miss
8. What height do you actually need?
9. FAQ
Why the correct monitor stand height matters
When your screen sits too low, you tilt your head down for hours at a time. That puts sustained strain on your cervical spine — the kind that builds slowly and shows up as tension headaches, shoulder tightness, or a dull ache at the base of your neck.
Getting the ergonomic monitor height right keeps your head in a neutral position. It's one of the simplest changes you can make to a desk setup, and one of the most effective.
How to find the correct monitor height for your setup
Sit in your normal working posture — back supported, feet flat on the floor. Look straight ahead without adjusting your gaze. That's roughly where the top third of your screen should land.
For most people at a standard desk (72–75 cm), that means raising the monitor 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) above the desk surface. A few variables shift that number:
- Your desk height. Lower desk = more lift needed. Higher desk = less.
- Your monitor size. A 27" or 32" panel has more vertical real estate than a 24". Align the center of the screen near eye level, not the top bezel.
- Your chair height. If you sit higher, you need less lift from the riser.
- Glasses or bifocals. You may want to go slightly lower to avoid tilting your head back to read through the lens.
When I'm building a custom monitor riser for a client, the first thing I ask is: what's your desk height and how tall is your monitor? Those two numbers tell me almost everything I need to know about the right riser height before we even talk about materials or color.
Monitor size reference table
These are starting points based on standard desk and chair heights. Your ideal height may vary slightly depending on posture and setup.
| Monitor Size | Suggested Riser Height |
|---|---|
| 24" | 10–15 cm |
| 27" | 8–12 cm |
| 32" | 6–10 cm |
| Ultrawide (34"+) | 6–8 cm |
A correctly sized monitor riser keeps the top third of the display near eye level.
Monitor stand height for dual monitors
For a dual setup, keep both screens at the same height and angle them slightly inward. If one is your primary monitor, center it directly in front of you — don't split your gaze evenly between two screens at equal distance.
A wide desk riser with enough surface area to support both monitors makes this much easier to manage cleanly, without the visual clutter of two separate stands.
Monitor riser vs. monitor arm
A monitor arm gives you more flexibility — adjustable height, tilt, and reach. But it requires a desk with a clampable edge, and it adds mechanical complexity to a setup that might not need it.
A desk riser is simpler. Fixed height, clean look, and the space underneath becomes useful storage or a keyboard shelf. If you've already figured out your ergonomic monitor setup and just need the lift, a riser is usually the cleaner solution.
Should you use books or a monitor riser?
Books work as a temporary fix — they're free and immediately available. But they shift over time, don't give you usable space underneath, and rarely look intentional in a setup you care about.
A dedicated monitor riser is more stable, sits flush with the desk, and the shelf underneath becomes actual storage for a keyboard, drives, or cables. If your required height changes often, a monitor arm may be the better choice. If you've found your height and want something that holds it cleanly, a riser is the right tool.
One thing most people miss: distance
Height gets all the attention, but distance matters just as much. Your monitor should sit roughly 50–70 cm (20–28 inches) from your eyes — about arm's length. Too close and you're straining to focus. Too far and you're leaning forward, which undoes everything the riser was supposed to fix.
Get the distance right first, then dial in the height.
What height monitor riser do you actually need?
When we build custom monitor risers, most clients end up needing between 6 and 15 cm of lift. That range works well for the majority of desk setups, though taller or wider monitors sometimes require a different height. That's why every riser is made to order instead of using a fixed size.
Each piece is built from cast acrylic panels and chrome-plated steel shafts — sized to your desk and monitor, in whatever color fits your setup. You can also explore our materials page to see how we choose what goes into each build, or browse past projects for real examples of custom riser configurations.
FAQ
How high should a monitor riser be?
For most people, a monitor riser height of 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) is the right range. The goal is to bring the top third of your screen to roughly eye level when sitting in your normal posture.
Is eye level the correct monitor height?
Close — the top of the screen should sit at or just slightly below eye level, not the center. This keeps your neck in a neutral position and reduces strain over long sessions.
How tall should a monitor stand be?
It depends on your desk height, chair height, and monitor size. A standard starting point is 10–12 cm for most setups, with adjustments based on your specific posture and screen size.
Do monitor risers help posture?
Yes, when sized correctly. A riser that's too low doesn't solve the problem; one that's too high forces you to tilt your head back. The right height keeps your spine neutral and reduces neck and shoulder tension.
What height monitor riser do I need for a 27-inch monitor?
A 27-inch monitor has more vertical height than a smaller screen, so you may need slightly less lift — often 8–12 cm is enough. The best way to check: sit at your desk, look straight ahead, and measure the gap between that eye-level point and the top third of your current screen position.
Should you use books or a monitor riser?
Books are a fine temporary solution. For a permanent setup, a dedicated riser is more stable, looks cleaner, and gives you usable storage underneath. If you need to adjust height frequently, a monitor arm is worth considering instead.