Small Apartment Desk Size Calculator: Find a Desk That Fits Your Wall
Enter your wall length, the distance to your bed and how you work, and get a recommended desk width and depth instantly.
How to measure
- Wall length: measure the wall where the desk will go at desktop height (about 28-29 in / 72 cm). Check outlets, window trim and baseboards.
- Wall-to-bed distance: measure from the wall to the edge of the bed frame (or whatever furniture is in front), not the mattress.
- Use: if you use a monitor or work 4+ hours a day, pick the larger setup.
Guideline values we use (editorial)
| Use | Min width | Ideal width | Min depth | Ideal depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop only | 24 in (60 cm) | 31 in (80 cm) | 18 in (45 cm) | 22 in (55 cm) |
| Laptop + 1 monitor | 39 in (100 cm) | 47 in (120 cm) | 24 in (60 cm) | 26 in (65 cm) |
| Dual monitors | 47 in (120 cm) | 55 in (140 cm) | 26 in (65 cm) | 30 in (75 cm) |
- We allow 28 in (70 cm) to pull out the chair, 24 in (60 cm) for a walkway behind it, and 4 in (10 cm) of side clearance.
- OSHA recommends keeping the monitor about 20-40 in from your eyes (OSHA).
- These are planning guidelines we set, not official standards.
FAQ
What does “fits, but it’s tight” mean? It will work, with no spare room. Tape the outline on the floor and sit at it before you buy.
What if it says there isn’t enough room? Look at folding desks, wall-mounted desks, or a monitor arm (it pushes the screen back so you need less depth). Check your lease before drilling.