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1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Note: This document, portion of document or referenced document was published prior to the 2010 ADA Standards, and is still applicable.

A4.32.4 Height of Tables or Counters. Different types of work require different table or counter heights for comfort and optimal performance. Light detailed work such as writing requires a table or counter close to elbow height for a standing person. Heavy manual work such as rolling dough requires a counter or table height about 10 in (255 mm) below elbow height for a standing person. This principle of high/low table or counter heights also applies for seated persons; however, the limiting condition for seated manual work is clearance under the table or counter.

Table A1 shows convenient counter heights for seated persons. The great variety of heights for comfort and optimal performance indicates a need for alternatives or a compromise in height if people who stand and people who sit will be using the same counter area.

Table A1

Convenient Heights of Tables and Counters for Seated People 1

Conditions of Use

Short Women in mm Tall Men in mm

Seated in a wheelchair: Manual work- Desk or removable armrests

26 660 30 760

Fixed, full-size armrests2

323 815 323 815

Light, detailed work: Desk or removable armrests

29 735 34 865

Fixed, full-size armrests2

323 815 34 865

Seated in a 16 in (405 mm) high chair: Manual work

26 660 27 685

Light, detailed work

28 710 31 785

1All dimensions are based on a work-surface thickness of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) and a clearance of 1 1/2 in (38 mm) between legs and the underside of a work surface.

2This type of wheelchair arm does not interfere with the positioning of a wheelchair under a work surface.

3This dimension is limited by the height of the armrests: a lower height would be preferable. Some people in this group prefer lower work surfaces, which require positioning the wheelchair back from the edge of the counter.

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