Workbench Height
The perfect workbench height for most people is about the height of their wrist when they stand with their arms hanging down: 34–38 in (86–97 cm). That puts your hands low enough to push a plane or a saw with your body weight, and high enough that you do not bend your back. Fine, close work wants a higher bench; heavy work a lower one. For the build itself, see how to build a workbench.
Workbench height by your height
| Your height | Planing, heavy work (wrist) | General work | Fine detail work |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) | 29 in (74 cm) | 31–32 in (80 cm) | 34 in (86 cm) |
| 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) | 31 in (79 cm) | 33–34 in (86 cm) | 36–37 in (93 cm) |
| 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) | 35–36 in (91 cm) | 39 in (99 cm) |
| 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | 35 in (89 cm) | 37–38 in (97 cm) | 41 in (105 cm) |
| 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | 37 in (94 cm) | 40 in (103 cm) | 44 in (112 cm) |
The chart uses average body proportions: wrist height is about 48% of body height. Your own wrist height, measured in your work shoes, is the best starting point.
Height by type of work
- Hand planing and sawing: at your wrist. You push down and forward with your body weight, and a lower bench lets you do it with straight arms.
- General woodworking and assembly: 2–4 in (5–10 cm) above the wrist, around 34–36 in for most people.
- Fine work (carving, inlay, electronics, sharpening): 4 in (10 cm) below your elbow, so you can see the work without stooping.
- Assembly table for large furniture: lower, 30–32 in (76–81 cm), so you can reach over a cabinet.
- Outfeed table: 1/8–1/4 in (3–6 mm) below the table saw, usually 34–35 in.
If you share the shop, build for the main user and keep a sturdy platform or a mat for the shorter person. Raising a bench later is easy with blocks under the base; lowering it is not.
Standard workbench sizes
| Dimension | Inches | Millimetres |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 34–38 in | 860–970 mm |
| Depth | 24–30 in | 600–760 mm |
| Length | 4–8 ft | 1200–2400 mm |
| Top thickness | 1 1/2–3 in | 36–75 mm |
| Front overhang (for clamping) | 2–4 in | 50–100 mm |
A bench deeper than about 30 in (76 cm) is hard to reach across. Length depends on the work: 6 ft (1800 mm) handles most furniture parts.
Building a workbench at your height
A workbench made from sheet goods is quick to build at exactly the right height. Our workbench plan uses a double-thick top and a storage base with a full back panel, so it stays stiff; type the length, depth and height and every part is recalculated:
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard workbench height?
34–36 in (86–91 cm) for general work, the same range as a kitchen counter. Benches for hand planing are lower, benches for fine work higher.
How do I find the right workbench height for me?
Stand straight in your work shoes with your arms hanging down and measure from the floor to the crease of your wrist. That is the height for planing and heavy work; add 2–4 in (5–10 cm) for general work.
What height for a workbench if I am 5 ft 10 in?
About 34 in (86 cm) for planing, 36–37 in (92–94 cm) for general work and 39–40 in (100 cm) for fine detail work.
Should a workbench be the same height as the table saw?
If it doubles as an outfeed table, yes: set it 1/8–1/4 in (3–6 mm) below the saw table, usually 34–35 in, so boards slide onto it without catching.
What are standard workbench dimensions?
About 34–38 in (86–97 cm) high, 24–30 in deep and 4–8 ft (1.2–2.4 m) long. A garage workbench is usually 36 in high, like a kitchen counter, so it doubles as a work surface for assembly.