How to Choose the Right Kitchen Worktop Height
Short answer: the right worktop height for cutting is about 12 cm (5 in) below your elbow when you stand relaxed and upright. For someone of 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) that's around 105 cm. A standard worktop is 85 to 91 cm (33 to 36 in), so if you're taller than 1.80 m you're easily 15 to 25 cm too low.
What is the standard kitchen worktop height?
Most kitchen worktops are 85 to 91 cm (33 to 36 in) high. That height is based on an average user. If you're taller than average, you spend your day hunched over, and your back, neck and shoulders feel it.
How to measure your ideal working height
- Stand upright in your usual work shoes.
- Let your upper arms hang relaxed and bend your forearm at 90 degrees.
- Measure from the floor to your elbow.
- Subtract about 12 cm (5 in). That's your ideal cutting height.
An example: at 1.85 m your elbow is at about 117 cm. Your ideal cutting height is then around 105 cm. At an 85 cm worktop you're working 20 cm (8 in) too low. Rather not measure? Use the working height calculator.
Task and footwear matter
- Tasks that need force, like kneading dough, are easier slightly lower.
- Precision work, like decorating, is easier slightly higher.
- Shoes and mats add a few centimetres. Measure with your work shoes on.
Raised countertop, adjustable worktop or cutting board riser?
| Raise the countertop | Electric adjustable | Cutting board riser | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | High | Low |
| Adjustable per person | No | Yes | Yes |
| Renovation needed | Yes | Yes | No |
In a professional kitchen, colleagues of different heights share the same counter. Raising the worktop helps the tall chef but gives shorter colleagues shoulder pain.
The solution without renovation
Don't raise the worktop, raise your cutting board. With an adjustable cutting board riser like the ErgoCutter you lift a GastroNorm 1/1 board 6.5 to 44 cm in 10 positions. Every team member picks their own setting.