4 Things to keep in mind before buying a chair for short person

By Suman Kaur updated on 15-5-2026

1. Seat Height-Seat height is one of the most important thing short people should check before buying an office chair. A good ergonomic chair should have adjustable seat height between 15 to 18 inches. This range usually works well for short people because it allows the feet to rest flat on the floor while keeping the knees at a 90-degree angle.  
2. Seat Depth-It is another important factor for short people. It is the distance from the front edge of the seat to the backrest. If the seat is too deep you may not be able to sit fully against the backrest while keeping your feet flat on the floor. For short users, seat depth of 15-17 inches usually works best. Some chairs have seat slider that allows you to adjust the seat depth by moving the seat forward or backward instead of being stuck with one fixed size.  
3. Adjustable Armrests-Adjustable armrest are also important for short people because fixed armrests often are too high or too wide for petite users. A good ergonomic chair should have armrest that adjusts up and down, inward and outward and stay close to the seat pan. Armrest height should be 6 inches above the seat. Your elbows should rest comfortably at about a 90-degree angle while keeping the shoulders relaxed..  
4. Backrest and lumbar support- The backrest should properly fit your body, especially if you are short and have a shorter torso. In many chairs, the lumbar support sits too high, which can make the chair feel uncomfortable instead of supportive.A good backrest should support the natural curve of your lower spine and feel comfortable without forcing your posture. You should be able to sit against the backrest naturally without constantly adjusting your position.
   The lumbar support should align with the inward curve of your lower back. When positioned correctly, it helps maintain better posture and reduces lower back strain during long sitting hours.