The most common question when we review customer inquiries is: “I’m under 5.5 feet tall. How can I find a suitable office chair?” Finding an affordable office chair for petite person can be challenging, and the options are often limited.

Below is a list of office chairs that our testers, who are 5’6″ and shorter, found comfortable. These chairs are specifically designed with smaller dimensions than standard office chairs, making them a great fit for petite people.

We also recommend checking out our FAQs after the final chair on the list before purchasing. This information will help you select the right chair and explain why we chose the featured chairs.

When selecting the best office chair for petite people,  it’s important to consider several key features to ensure maximum comfort and support, including:

Seat Height

The first consideration when choosing an office chair is its seat height. Ideally, your knees should be at a 90-degree angle while your feet are flat on the floor. Most chairs have a seat height range of about 17 to 22 inches, which may be too high for individuals who are 5 feet 6 inches tall or shorter.

Short people should look for a chair with a minimum seat height of 16 inches. If you are 5 feet 2 inches, a minimum seat height of 15 inches is ideal. For individuals shorter than 5 feet 2 inches, you should seek a chair with a seat height as low as 14 inches to ensure proper foot placement.

Having a Footrest

A footrest can be a highly effective addition to your workstation. It helps elevate the floor to meet your chair, rather than having to lower your chair to the floor. This adjustment makes maintaining a 90-degree knee angle easier and opens up options for chairs with higher minimum seat heights. In fact, most people in our office, including myself, use a footrest for added comfort and support.

Desk Height

Desk height is another crucial factor to consider. Your typing height should be about 8 inches above your seat height. For example, if your chair is 16 inches, your desk should be adjustable down to at least 24 inches to maintain ergonomic positioning. This creates a significant difference since standard desk heights are around 30 inches.

You have several options to address this:

1. A footrest can help by bringing your chair height closer to a standard desk height.
2. Consider a height-adjustable desk that can be lowered below the typical 30-inch height.
3. Use a keyboard drawer or tray to adjust the position of your keyboard to better match your ergonomic needs.

Seat Depth

Next, consider the seat depth of your chair. Ideally, the front edge of the seat should be 1 to 2 inches away from the back of your knees. Most standard office chair have seat depths of about 17 to 18 inches, which may be too deep for shorter individuals.

For those who are 5 feet 6 inches tall or shorter, suitable chairs should have a minimum seat depth of 16 inches or less. Chairs with adjustable seat depths set as low as 15 inches are often the best choice for ensuring proper fit and comfort.

Arm Width

Armrests are another crucial aspect to consider. Ideally, your arms should hang naturally at your sides, with your elbows forming a 90-degree angle when resting on the armrests. You should avoid having to angle your arms outward to reach the armrests, which can lead to shoulder and neck pain.

Standard office chair armrests are usually 17 to 18 inches apart. For individuals shorter than 5 feet 6 inches, seek chairs with armrests no wider than 16 inches. If you are 5 feet tall or shorter, look for armrests as narrow as 13 inches to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic fit.

Arm Height

Height is another critical factor to consider for armrests. Ensure that the armrests on the chair you choose have an adjustable range that suits your needs. For individuals shorter than 5 feet 6 inches, the armrests should ideally be positioned about 9 inches above the seat to maintain a 90-degree angle at the elbows. For those 5 feet tall or shorter, look for armrests that can be adjusted to a minimum height of 7 inches or less.

Having a Headrests

When selecting a chair with a headrest, be cautious if you are short or petite. Many headrests are positioned to align with the curve of the neck, which can be problematic for shorter individuals. If you’re too short, the headrest may push your head forward uncomfortably.

This issue can also occur with standard headrests on chairs. If you’re unable to reach or properly use the headrest, the chair may not provide the comfort you need.

If a headrest is vital to you, seek out chairs designed explicitly for shorter users that include a headrest option. These chairs are more likely to have a headrest that fits you correctly and offers the comfort you want.

Material

The material of your office chair is essential for comfort during long work hours. Gugliotti suggests choosing a chair that provides full support for the spine and encourages a relaxed, seated posture. The cushioning should align with the spine’s natural curves and be crafted from breathable yet durable fabric. While some prefer mesh seats and back for breathability, others might choose padded foam seats for a more structured and supportive feel.