Most UK office desks are between 120 and 160 cm wide, 60 to 80 cm deep and around 73 to 75 cm high. A 140 x 70 cm desk is a common, good all-round size. This guide explains how those dimensions change for different teams, roles and layouts.
Choosing the right office desk dimensions is more than a matter of aesthetics or space planning. For office decision-makers, it directly impacts productivity, employee well-being, and efficient use of space. From multi-screen engineering setups to quiet zones for sales teams, each department has specific requirements.
In this guide, we explore:
- What constitutes a standard or good desk size
- Desk size needs by department and role
- How standing desks change requirements
- The role of noise control, technology, and storage
- Health and safety best practices
- Internal links to useful HSE resources
Whether you're redesigning your HQ or sourcing a new office space through Tally Workspace, understanding desk sizing ensures your setup serves its purpose today and into the future.
If you are mapping out your office layout, our Office Space Calculator can help you estimate the total area your team will need, based on desk numbers and space allowances.
What Is a Good Desk Size?
There is no single standard, but the most typical desk dimensions for UK offices are:
- Width: 120–160 cm
- Depth (desk depth): 60–80 cm
- Height: 73–75 cm (standard sitting desk)
As a guide:
- 140 x 70 cm is a common, typical desk size suitable for individual use
- Larger desks (160+ cm) accommodate dual monitors, paperwork, or collaborative tools
- Compact desks (120 cm or less) suit hotdesking or smaller rooms
Refer also to UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines which recommends a minimum of 11 cubic metres per person. However, this can be insufficient where bulky office furniture reduces usable space.
Desk Size by Team: What Does Each Department Really Need?
Desk Size Summary Table
Use our desk size comparison table for recommended office desk dimensions by team type, including sales, engineering, design, executives, HR, and more.
Engineering and Development Teams
Recommended size:
160–180 cm wide x 80 cm deep
Why:
160–180 cm wide x 80 cm deep
Why:
- Typically use multiple monitors and more peripheral terminals
- Need space for docking stations, audio equipment, and full-size keyboards
Ergonomic setups may include:
- Adjustable sit-stand desks
- Deeper desks help maintain optimal eye-to-screen distance, which reduces eye strain and enhances comfort during long coding sessions
- Under-desk power and cable trays
Deep desks aren’t just for tech—studies suggest that increased viewing distance can improve posture and reduce cognitive fatigue, particularly in screen-intensive roles.
Sales and Customer Service Teams
Recommended size:
120–140 cm width x 70 cm depth
Why:
120–140 cm width x 70 cm depth
Why:
- Most sales staff work on laptops as often on the move or have single monitors and need less space for hardware.
- Prioritised noise management in high-call-volume environments.
Noise control considerations:
- Desk dividers: Acoustic screens can be added between desks (adds ~5–10 cm width/depth depending on bracket style)
- Carpeted flooring and acoustic ceiling panels
- Zoning by team to separate quiet work from sales call activity
- Desk placement: Avoid placing sales teams near shared meeting areas or kitchens
Design, Creative, and Marketing Teams
Recommended size:
160–180 cm width x 80 cm depth
Why:
160–180 cm width x 80 cm depth
Why:
- Use digital and physical tools like tablets, styluses, and samples
- Require space for vertical monitors and creative materials
Aesthetic choices matter for creative teams. Consider shapes and finishes that support hands-on work while reflecting the creative tone of the team.
Executive and Leadership Desks
Recommended size:
180–200 cm width, often with additional return
Why:
180–200 cm width, often with additional return
Why:
- Executives often host 1:1s or team reviews at their desk
- Large monitors or even dual-screen setups are common
- Often need extensive desk storage - sideboards, filing drawers, or integrated returns are typical
- Visibility and authority: larger desks help establish senior presence
If privacy is a concern, these setups can be positioned near private meeting rooms or windowed offices.
Additional Teams That Need Larger Desks
HR and People Teams
- Handle sensitive paperwork
- Frequent in-person discussions
- Benefit from space for dual screens and confidential desk storage
Facilities or Operations
- Often use large spreadsheets and therefore need multiple screens
- Require broad work surfaces for documents
Finance Teams
- Need multi-screen setups and secure document access
Standing Desks and Sit-Stand Workstations
Adjustable desks have become more common due to health and flexibility concerns. Most models fall into the same size brackets, but they affect workspace planning more significantly so there are a lot of things to consider before purchasing.
Standard standing desk size: 120–160 cm wide x 70–80 cm deep
Key considerations:
- Must be stable at full extension. This may affect how and where they can be placed - for example, avoiding uneven flooring or high-traffic walkways.
- Require good cable management. Because height-adjustable desks move, all cables (for monitors, docks, lighting, etc.) must be managed to allow for vertical movement without tension or disconnection. This often requires cable spines, under-desk trays, or specific layout adaptations.
- Standing desks are often paired with accessories like anti-fatigue mats, footrests, or mobile storage units, which expand the required footprint and influence circulation paths.
- Electric motors used to raise/lower desks can create low-level noise, and movement during adjustment can be visually distracting in open-plan environments - especially if many are used at once.
- In teams where only some members use sit-stand desks, planners need to consider layout cohesion and visibility (e.g. standing users may block sightlines or interrupt nearby seated colleagues).
- Standing desks extend significantly higher than traditional desks, which means planners must account for overhead clearance, particularly in offices with low-hanging lighting, wall fixtures, or acoustic panels.
Standing desks align naturally with hybrid work environments - they offer flexibility for different users, support healthier working habits, and make shared desks more adaptable. In spaces where no two days or users are the same, that adaptability can make workspaces feel more inclusive.
Other Considerations When Choosing Desk Sizes
Health and Safety Guidance for Desk Sizing
Beyond dimensions, ensure your desk setup complies with display screen equipment (DSE) regulations to ensure legal compliance. Key sources include:
Office Layout and Circulation
Clearances:
- 80–100 cm behind chairs for movement
- Provide 120 cm for main walkways
- Cluster desks into pods to create team zones or open flow
- Avoid placing desks directly behind doors or in high-traffic paths
Desk Storage and Accessories
- Pedestals, monitor risers, and cable trays may be required, but they can increase the amount of desk or floor space required so need careful planning.
- Choose modular solutions or mobile office furniture for easier reconfiguration
Hybrid Work and Shared Desks
- Shared desks (hotdesking) work best at 140 cm width to provide universal flexibility
- Equip with screen mounts, laptop docks, and shared storage
Conclusion: What Desk Size Do You Really Need?
A well-sized office desk isn’t just furniture – it's infrastructure for productivity and comfort. Choose based on your team’s tasks, tech requirements, and the surrounding environment.
At Tally Workspace, we help companies across the UK find and fit out office spaces that match their evolving needs. From standing desks and team-specific layouts to acoustic zoning and collaborative design, we guide you every step of the way.
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