Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Raise or lower a chair
• Method 2 of 3: Choosing the right seat height for your task
• Method 3 of 3: Increase safety and comfort

If you adjust the height of your office chair correctly, a load will literally fall off your back. If you are uncomfortable in a chair, you may sit back, squat and type at an awkward angle. Any of these problems can cause pain or even disability if left unresolved. Fortunately, these problems can often be avoided by adjusting the height of your office chair. Using the chair's controls, you can make sure that you no longer have to sit uncomfortably.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Raise or lower a chair

1. Look for the hand control. Most office chairs have levers attached to the base just below the seat. There may be several levers to control functions such as seat height and angle. If you are already in the chair, you can adjust the height by pulling the appropriate lever up.
   • For some models, you turn a knob instead of a lever.
   • If you're not sure which lever controls the height, read the seat manual, or just pull the levers until you find the right one.
2. Raise and lower the seat until it is comfortable. With most chairs, the seat moves up and down freely as soon as you press the right lever. Move the lever until you find the ideal position for you. Do this gently, moving the chair only a few inches at a time. When you're done, return the lever to its original position.
   • On some models you have to pull the lever up to raise the seat, and push down to lower the seat.
   • On pneumatic models, you can "pump" the handle (pushing up or down repeatedly to raise or lower the seat).
3. If you can't get it done, try adjusting the chair from a standing position. Stand in front of the chair and press the right lever. Raise or lower the seat of the chair until the end of it is just below your kneecap. You should now be able to sit comfortably in the chair, with your feet flat on the floor.

Method 2 of 3: Choosing the right seat height for your task

1. Stay at eye level with the screen when working on a computer. Ideally, the monitor should be just below your eye level and the keyboard at elbow level. If you can't raise or lower your monitor, you can adjust the seat height.
2. Keep your elbows at desk height when working on the flat surface. This is true when doing things like reading a book, handwriting, drawing, etc. Lower or raise your chair height until your elbows and arms can rest comfortably on the desk.
3. Rest your feet on the floor if you sit for extended periods of time. If you have to sit for a while, such as during a meeting, it is extra important to sit properly. Adjust the height of your chair until your feet are flat on the floor so you don't have to sit uncomfortably.

Method 3 of 3: Increase safety and comfort

1. Adjust the height of the armrests, if the chair has one. If you work at a desk to type or perform similar tasks, raise the armrests so that you can keep your arms roughly level with the desk. If you don't need the armrest, you may be able to remove the armrests or just lower them so they don't get in your way.
   • Lower or remove the armrests if they prevent you from sliding your knees comfortably under your desk.
2. Change your sitting position every 15 minutes. This will help prevent overload and other problems. If you don't need to adjust the height of your chair because of work, you can still try to change your posture. For example, lean forward for a moment and then sit back completely. You can also shift your weight slightly from one side of the chair to the other.
3. Provide a footrest if your chair is too high. There may just be no way to lower your chair so that your feet are comfortably on the floor while your arms remain at a comfortable working height. If so, slide a footrest under your desk and rest your feet on it.
   • Footrests can be found at stationery stores and are usually adjustable as well.