Calculators / Storage and workbench

How tall should your workbench be?

Measure your elbow height and pick the work you do most. You'll get the bench height, from two ergonomics guidelines.

Updated November 2026 · How we check our numbers

Build it at

38.1 to 40 in

For light work with a 42 in elbow height. CCOHS puts it at 38.1 to 40 in, CRE-MSD at 38.1 to 40 in.

Elbow height: 42 in
CCOHS: 38.1 to 40 in
CRE-MSD: 38.1 to 40 in

Estimate for planning only, not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, your local code and a licensed professional before you buy, build or install. Use at your own risk. Terms.

CCOHS: 42 in − 10 to 5 cm (÷ 2.54)

CRE-MSD: 42 in − 10 to 5 cm (÷ 2.54)

By kind of work

your elbow height

Precision workElectronics, carving, fine assembly
44 to 45.9 in
Light workAssembly, tool repair, most bench work
38.1 to 40 in
Heavy workPlaning, sanding, pressing down hard
26.3 to 38.1 in

Both bodies key the height to your elbow, not your overall height.

Measure

Stand straight in your shop shoes, upper arm hanging, forearm level. Measure from the floor to the underside of your elbow.

Mixed work

One bench for everything? Build it for light work, and keep a step or a riser block for the jobs that want it higher or lower.

How we work it out

A bench height comes from your elbow, not your overall height, and from how hard you push down on the work.

Precision work, like electronics: a little above the elbow (CCOHS about 5 cm; CRE-MSD 5 to 10 cm, with wrist support).
Light work, like assembly and repairs: 5 to 10 cm below the elbow (both).
Heavy work, pushing down: 20 to 40 cm below (CCOHS) or 10 to 25 cm below (CRE-MSD).

We convert those to inches off your elbow height and show both, since they differ on heavy work.

Where the numbers come from

Shop charts

More calculators

All calculators

You and the work