The purpose of a gaming chair is to support a healthy posture while sitting at a desk. Modern gaming chairs come in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes. This gaming chair size guide has two parts. First, it clarifies out what dimensions to consider when buying a chair. Second, it explains how to align your seat height with your desk, screen, and peripherals. With effective sizing, the payoff is a superb ergonomic setup tailored to your body.
The majority of gaming chairs are designed to fit average-sized users. Most chairs are produced in China and shipped worldwide. “Average” sizes differ by region.
| Average size of men | Average size of women | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 5'8" 200 pounds | 5'3" 171 pounds |
| China | 5'6" 155 pounds | 5'2" 130 pounds |
| United Kingdom | 5'8" 191 pounds | 5'4" 160 pounds |
| South Korea | 5'7" 163 pounds | 5'3" 133 pounds |
| Average | 5'7" (170 cm); 177 pounds (80 kg) | 5'3" (160 cm); 148.5 pounds (67 kg) |
Across all regions, the “average” male to be roughly around 5’7″ (170 cm) and 177 pounds (80 kg). Average sizes have the most flexibility. They could find a decent fit in small, medium, large, and extra-large gaming chairs.
Larger users should choose a seat wide enough to support their legs and buttocks. If the chair is too narrow, the seat edges and armrests will dig into your body.
On the opposite side, smaller users in a chair too large will miss out on essential ergonomic benefits. That negates the point of a gaming chair, which is to support a healthy sitting posture.
A backrest that doesn’t fit the body won’t provide effective back support. Specifically, support pillows won’t meet the curves of the spine. Also, if the floor to seat range is too high, the feet will dangle, instead of planting on the floor.
Chair sizing essentials
This section adds context so that buyers can make sense of important gaming chair dimensions.
Three basic sizes
In very broad terms, there are three basic sizes of chairs: small, medium, and large. Here are the dimensions of three popular models in each class:
| S: Secretlab Omega | M: Secretlab Titan | L: Anda Seat Kaiser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat width x depth | 22″ (W) x 20″ (D) | 20.5" (W) x 19.7" (D) | 22.83″ (W) x 21.65″ (D) |
| Backrest width x height | 21″ (W) x 32" (H) | 21.7" (W) x 33" (H) | 23.23″ (W) x 34.21″ (H) |
| Floor to seat range | 18.9″ to 21.9″ | 18.7" to 22.4" | 19.3" to 22″ |
| Chair height | 50.4″ to 53.4″ | 51.7" to 55.4" | 53.5"to 57.4″ |
| Size rating | 5’3″ to 5’11”; up to 240 pounds | 5'9" to 6'7", up to 290 pounds | 5’9″ to 7’1″ tall; up to 441 pounds |
Choosing the right size chair starts by matching the right chair with your body type:
- Small gaming chairs: designed to fit slim users shorter than 5’11”.
- Medium gaming chairs: wider seats and taller backrests support husky users between 5’7″ and 6’3″.
- Large gaming chairs: extra-wide seats accommodate extra-wide bodies. Most models support users between 5’7″ and 6’7″, with a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds.
Most cheaper gaming chairs are small chairs that fit Asian average sizes. Several pro-quality gaming chairs are larger, thus a better fit for average western sizes.
Flat versus ridged seats
There are two gaming chair seat styles. The most common is a narrow seat with ridged edges. The edges ride above the seat, serving to keep the legs contained in a narrow space. That creates a snug fit, akin to sitting in a racecar or a cockpit. Feet pressed together planted flat on the floor helps with upper body weight distribution as you sit. This style of seating is better for your back, but less comfortable.
The alternative is a wider seat with flat edges. With no edges, the legs get more room to move. This style of seat is a better option for users with wide hips or thick legs.
Important gaming chair dimensions
Gaming chairs come with a tall backrest. Between the backrest and your body are neck and back pillows. As you lean into the backrest, the pillows set your spine into perfect alignment.
Having a backrest height that fits your body ensures you’ll be able to place your neck pillow correctly. Most backrests range between 33″ and 30″ high. Anything lower or taller is for extremely tall or short sizes.
When checking chair dimensions, look for these essentials:
- Seat width and depth: make sure there’s enough room to comfortably cradle your hips.
- Backrest width and height: the height should be enough to place the neck pillow into the small of your back. The width should give you enough space to avoid hunching your shoulders.
- Floor to seat range: ensure a height that lets you plant your feet firmly on the ground.
- Size rating: most gaming chairs come with a recommended size rating, along with a maximum weight capacity.
Sync a gaming chair into a workstation
A well-fitting gaming chair has the potential to support a neutral sitting posture. That is widely considered the healthiest way to sit for long periods.
Definition of a neutral sitting posture:
- Feet planted on the floor.
- Knees bent at around 90° with thighs parallel to the floor.
- Back straight.
- Elbows bent at 90° with forearms parallel to the floor.
Buying a well-fitting ergonomic chair is the first step. The second step is to ensure that the chair syncs with the height of the desk.
An important third step is to make sure that the desk is the appropriate height for your body type. Finally, you need to set your computer or laptop monitor to the correct height.
These concepts are reflected in the new Herman Miller ergonomic workstation blueprint. It includes a good chair, a desk set to the right height, and a computer monitor set to the right height.
Even if you don’t plan to use Herman Miller products, this blueprint is worth following. After getting a good chair, the next step is to ensure the proper desk height for your size.
Proper desk height
After buying a chair, the next thing to do is sync your chair’s seat height and armrests with the height of your desk. The seat should be high enough to plant your feet flat on the floor. Simultaneously, the armrests should roughly align with the height of your desk.
The height of the desk also plays a factor. Most adult desks are between 28-30 inches. That range is suitable for average sizes between 5’8″ and 5’10” (172-177cm). People shorter or taller should adjust their desk height for best results.
Below are size recommendations courtesy of blitzresults.com. “Chair height” refers to the distance from the floor to the seat. “Armrest height” measures the distance from the seat to the armrests.
| User height | Desk height | Chair height | Armrest height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'2" (157 cm) | 25" (63.5 cm) | 16.7" (42.4 cm) | 9.2" (23.2 cm) |
| 5'5" (165 cm) | 26.2" (66.5 cm) | 17.5" (44.45 cm) | 9.6" (24.3 cm) |
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 27" (68.5 cm) | 18" (45.7 cm) | 9.9" (25 cm) |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 27.8" (70.6 cm) | 18.5" (47 cm) | 10.2" (25.9 cm) |
| 6'1" (185 cm) | 29.4" (74.6 cm) | 19.6" (49.7 cm) | 10.8" (27.4 cm) |
| 6'3" (190 cm) | 30.2" (76.7 cm) | 20.2" (51.3 cm) | 11.1" (28 cm) |
| 6'5" (195 cm) | 31" (78.7 cm) | 20.7" (52.5 cm) | 11.4" (29 cm) |
At both a standing desk and seated versions, height settings have a similar effect. The right height will let you bend your elbows at a 90° angle, parallel to the floor. A desk set too high will place excess pressure on the shoulders. A desk set too low will strain the wrists and bend the neck and shoulders into a slouch.
At the proper height, the elbows bend at a 90° and rest parallel to the floor. At the same time, the feet are planted firmly on the ground underneath the work surface. This is the neutral sitting position, which is optimal for long periods of seated computing.
Effective computer monitor height
Even with the perfect chair and desk height, a monitor set at the wrong height can misalign your spine. The most common mistake is to set the screen too low. Doing so forces the spine into a curve and cranes the neck forward. Sitting that way strains the lower back, neck, and shoulders.
In contrast, setting the monitor too high cranes the neck. Over time, that causes pain in the shoulders and lower back. The general rule of thumb is to set the top of the monitor to around the level of your eyes. That lets you sit with a straight back without bending the neck forward.
With your eyes aligned with the top of the screen, you get an optimal peripheral view of the entire screen. To focus on one part of the screen, you can move your eyes, rather than moving your head. As a result, the body experiences less neck and lower back strain.
To learn more, check out our detailed ergonomic monitor configuration advice:
Height-adjustment accessories
After buying an ergonomic chair, you might still need to make adjustments with your desk and monitor heights. These addons can help.
Most adult desks are 28-30 inches, which suits users between 5’8″ and 5’10”. People outside of that range (shorter or taller) need to adjust to ensure the best results. These addons can help.
For short people: footrest or stool
People 5’7″ and shorter (170 cm) using a standard 28-30 inch desk might suffer from pain in the shoulders, wrists, and lower back. Raising the height of the chair can help. However, for people under 170 cm, that will raise their feet off the floor. That’s a problem — feet planted on the floor provides essential support for the back while sitting.
For children, the solution is a footrest. All of the best ergonomic chairs for kids aged 4-12 come with removable footrests. Raising the height of the chair while using a footrest makes it possible for kids to use adult-sized desks.
For adults, the concept works the same. Short people using a desk too high can solve the issue with two steps. First, raise the height of the chair’s seat. Second, use a footrest that supports the feet even when raised off the floor.
For example, the Mind Reader Ergonomic Footrest costs $20.11 on Amazon. It raises the feet 4.3″ off the ground, effectively making the seated user that much taller. It also comes with variable tilt angles and a pebbled footrest to massage your feet while computing.
If you need more than 4.3 inches of lift, another option is a gaming chair footstool. For example, Neochairs Marvel-themed footstools cost $79.98 on Amazon. These come with 360° swivel and a height adjustment range of 16.5″ to 19.5″.
To browse other footrest and footstool options, check out the following feature:
For tall people: height-adjustable desks
A person taller than 5’10” (177 cm) might find their desk set too low. Then, the neck bends and shoulders hunch. That places excessive stress on the wrists. If your desk is too short for your body, two accessories can help.
Standing desk conversion kits
These kits sit atop a traditional desk. You can use such units to raise the height a few inches, or into full standing desk mode. For example, the FEZIBO desk converter ($99.87) is a top seller on Amazon. It lifts with a gas-powered spring and has a height range of 5.3″ to 20.5″. In seated mode, it gives you the option of raising the height of your computing screens.
There are several other models on Amazon to choose from with similar features. All let you raise the height of your desktop up to a full standing height.
Browse standing desk converter kits on Amazon
Sit-stand adjustable desks
The most elegant way to raise your workspace height is to buy a sit-stand desk. The best models come with powered motors in the legs. All that’s needed to raise the height is to push a button. Then, the motors take over.
For example, the Motion Series Dual Motor Standing Desk has a height range of 23.6″ to 49.2″. Few other sit-stand desks on the market have such a wide adjustment range.
Adjusting the desk height is very easy on this model. A digital keypad lets you program four preferred settings. Then, press the button for your desired level and the motors go to work at 30mm per second. This model sells for USD $359.27 from Motiongrey.com. To browse other sit-stand motorized options, check the review:
For all sizes: monitor desk mount stand
Many people set their monitor screens too low. That forces the spine into a slouch and cranes the neck forward. Sitting this way over long periods can lead to chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulder areas. The ideal height aligns the top of the screen with your eye-level.
A monitor desk mount can replace the base of compatible monitors with a flexible steel arm. The arm lets you position your screen at any perfect height and angle you prefer. Without the stand, the screen floats above your desk with rich adjustability. You can angle the screen, adjust the height, turn it vertical, or even rotate 360 degrees.
To see if your existing screen is compatible with a desk mount, look for four screw holes on the back. Those are universal VESA mounts.
As one example, the Mount-It! Dual Monitor MI-1772 Spring Mount is one of the best in the industry.
It has two counterbalanced mechanical spring arms and supports two 32″ monitors weighing up to 20 pounds each. You can adjust the height, tilt the screens, swivel 180°, and rotate 360°. It comes with a 5-year warranty and costs $99.99 on Amazon.
Screen ergonomics can have a huge impact on your workstation wellness and productivity. To learn more (and browse more monitor desk mounts), check this feature:
Gaming Chair Sizing Guide
Thus far, this article has established some fundamentals. To achieve a truly ergonomic workstation, you need three elements. First, a chair that fits your body type. Second, a desk set to the appropriate height. Third, a computer screen set to the correct height.
That brings us back to the original topic, which was about gaming chair sizing. This section summarizes the best chairs among small, medium, and large sizes.
Gaming Chairs for small sizes
Most of the popular cheap gaming chairs are for slim users under 5’10”. There are also a handful of high-end options specialized for small sizes.
The smallest of the bunch is the AKRacing California. It supports users between 4’9″ to 5’6″, with a recommended weight limit of 155 pounds. Two other high-end small options are the Maxnomic Casual Sport and the Secretlab Omega. Here is how all three models stack up:
Here are dimensions of three popular chairs that cater to short users:
| AKRacing California | Maxnomic Casual Sport | Noblechairs Epic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat width x depth | 21" (W) x 17.7" (D) | 17.3" (W) x 17.7" (D) | 22" (W) x 22.2" (D) |
| Backrest width x height | 21" (W) x 27.7" (H) | 22.4" (W) x 33.1" (H) | 21.4" (W) x 34.2" (H) |
| Floor to Seat Range | 13.75" to 17.25" | 18.5" to 22.4" | 18.9" to 22.8" |
| Chair height | 44" to 47.4" | 50" to 53" | 49" to 53" |
| Size rating | 4'9" to 5'6″; recommended load 155 pounds | 5'0" to 5'9"; recommended load 176 pounds | 5'5" to 6'2"; max load 265 pounds |
Slim users under 5’11” with slim proportions should consider chairs with these kinds of dimensions. To check out the best options for small, slim sizes, check out this detailed review:
Gaming Chairs for average sizes
We define average-sized users as those between 5’6″ to 5’10” tall weighing less than 200 pounds. These users can squeeze into small chairs or fit decently into extra-large chairs. Most gaming chair brands don’t clarify whether their chairs are for small, medium, or large sizes. That’s why it’s important to check the specs of a chair before buying.
Our review of the best pro esports chairs is for average sizes. The first five models in that review have larger, more spacious dimensions.
The last five are more compact. Thus, average sizes can choose a fit based on preference. If you prefer the best ergonomic support, choosing a small chair with a snug fit will yield the best results. But if comfort is the priority, choosing a larger model will give your body more room to move.
For instance, our top-rated compact pro esports chair is the Secretlab Omega. Our top-rated large-sized model is the Secretlab Titan. Here is how the specs of the two chairs compare:
| Secretlab Omega | Secretlab Titan | |
|---|---|---|
| Outer seat width & depth | 22" (W) x 19.3" (D) | 20.5" (W) x 19.7" (D) |
| Backrest width & height | 21" (W) x 31.5" (H) | 21.7" (W) x 33" (H) |
| Floor to seat range | 18.9" to 21.9" | 18.7" to 22.4" |
| Space between armrests | 24.4" to 27.6" | 26" to 29.1" |
| Overall height | 50.4" to 53.4" | 51.7" to 55.4" |
| Weight support | Up to 240 pounds | Up to 290 pounds |
| Height support | 5'3" to 5'11" | 5'9" to 6'7" |
| Price | $419 to $449 | $459 to $489 |
Notice that the Titan has a deeper but narrower seat than the Omega. However, the Omega seat has ridged edges, while the Titan’s seat is flat. The flat edges don’t restrict the legs, resulting in a roomier fit.
Check out more large and compact pro-quality chairs in this detailed review:
Gaming Chairs for large sizes
Big and tall heavyweights tend to have more pronounced posture problems than average sizes. During both rest and activity, the spine manages weight distribution. When carrying excess weight, the spine bears a greater burden. As a result, overweight users face a greater risk of chronic lower back pain and vertebral disc disease.
Very few ergonomic office chairs cater to big and tall users. Luckily, there are several extra-large gaming chairs that provide heavyweight ergonomic support. While using one of these models, large or obese users reduce pressure on the knees, which are not designed to carry heavy loads. Even better, an extra-tall backrest and support pillows will keep the spine aligned while sitting.
Among high-end products, there are several great options with spacious dimensions and support for 400 pounds. Here are the dimensions of three top-rated models. Note the width and depth of the seat. These are extra-wide chairs with sturdy support for super heavyweights.
| Secretlab Titan XL | AKRacing Master Series Max | E-Win Flash XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat width x depth | 22.6" (W) x 19.9" (D) | 23.25" (W) x 20.5" (D) | 23.6"(W) x 23.2" (D) |
| Backrest width x height: | 22" (W) x 33.5" (H) | 24.4" x 34.2" | 23.6" (W) x 39" (D) |
| Floor to Seat Range | 19.1" to 22.8" | 14.4" to 17.25" | 16.5" to 20.5" |
| Overall height | 52.6" to 56.3" | 51.5" to 54" | 55.5" to 59.5" |
| Weight support | Up to 390 pounds | Up to 400 pounds | Up to 550 pounds |
| Height support | 5'9" to 6'10" | 5'6" to 6'4" | 5’7″ to 7’0″ |
Users who are extra-wide but extra-short might find the backrests on the above models too tall. If that’s the case, check out our best average-sized chairs with extra-wide seats. All models in that range cost less than $200.
For those who need an extra-large, extra-wide chair, check our review of the best models:
How to use your new gaming chair
After selecting a good-fitting gaming chair, the next step is to learn how to use it. Check out our Gaming Chair User Guide. That teaches how to adjust your chair, how to sit, and how to best use the reclining options.
Conclusion
When using a gaming chair, the seat should be deep enough to fit your body. That means you can sit far enough back so that your back touches the lumbar support pillow. At the same time, your feet should plant on the floor, with no pressure on the inner knees.
This arrangement works best when the backrest fits your size. Then, the support pillows will fit nicely into your spinal curves.
Beyond the chair, shorter or taller than average users should adjust their desk height. Important for all sizes is that the monitor aligns with your line of sight. Setting it too high or low can cause neck problems.
By following these pointers, you can get the best out of your workstation. With the right fitting gear, expect superb comfort, amazing back support, and plenty of benefits. A good ergonomic workstation has the potential to improve wellness, boost energy levels, and improve productivity.
Ultimate workstation blueprint
The best example in the industry of a perfect workstation comes from Herman Miller. The Herman Miller gaming package includes an ergonomic chair, height-adjustable desk, and desk-mounted monitor stand. Check out our review of that package:
