How high should your monitor be? A quick check
How high should your monitor be? The top of the screen should sit at or just below eye level, about an arm's length away. Here is a quick check.
Margaux Dupont2 min read
How high should your monitor be? The top edge of the screen should sit at or just below your eye level, about an arm's length away. That lets your neck stay neutral instead of bending down.
The quick check
- Sit back in your chair with your feet flat.
- Look straight ahead without tilting your head.
- Your eyes should land near the top third of the screen.
- Reach out with an arm. Your fingertips should just touch the screen.
If you need to look down to read the top line, the screen is too low.
Why it matters
A screen that is too low makes you drop your head. Over a day, that can leave your neck and shoulders tired. Raising the screen is one of the cheapest fixes at a desk, and you may notice a change in a day or two. For the full order of fixes, read fix your home desk in this order.
How to raise it
- A stack of sturdy books costs nothing.
- A stand or riser works with any monitor.
- A monitor arm gives fine control. See laptop stand vs monitor arm for the choice.
One exception
If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, you may need the screen a bit lower so you can read through the right part of the lens. Ask your eye care professional. If you have neck or eye pain that does not ease, see a doctor.
A quick fix with items you own
Most people can raise a monitor by 5 to 10 centimetres with a few books, a ream of paper or a sturdy box. Check that it does not wobble. If you use a laptop, add a separate keyboard so your arms stay low while the screen goes up. Stand back and look at it from the side. If it still looks low, add another book.
End of shift
- First to go: your posture, long before the stand moves.
- Check on Friday: whether your head drifts forward over the week.
- Do tonight: look away from the screen for a minute or two.
More to read
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