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Standing desk size for two or three monitors
Updated
For two 27 inch monitors, get a top at least 55 inches wide, and 60 or more is nicer. For three monitors, a 60 to 63 inch top works only if the screens are 24 inch, or if you angle the two side screens in and accept a little overhang. Three 27 inch monitors in a flat row are about 70.5 inches of screen, wider than any desk on this site.
The width math
Monitor sizes are diagonals. A 24 inch 16:9 screen is about 20.9 inches wide and a 27 inch is about 23.5 inches. Add about an inch per monitor for the frame. Turning the two side screens in by 30 degrees shortens the row.
| Setup | Flat row | Side screens turned in 30 degrees |
|---|---|---|
| Two 24 in | 41.8 in | Not needed |
| Two 27 in | 47.0 in | Not needed |
| Three 24 in | 62.7 in | 57.1 in |
| Three 27 in | 70.5 in | 64.2 in |
These are screen widths only. Screens may hang past the desk edge a little, but the stands or arm clamps must sit on the top.
Depth matters more with three screens
Angled side screens swing forward, toward you. On a 24 inch deep top that leaves little room for a keyboard. For three monitors we'd want 28 to 30 inches of depth. The desk size guide has more on depth.
Add up the weight
Three monitors, a triple arm, a computer and speakers add up. Look up each weight on its own listing and total them. Then compare the total with the desk's listed load, which is a maker claim. Stay well under it. A monitor arm also puts all of its load on one small clamp, so a thin top can flex. The tops on our picks run from 0.5 to 1.1 inches thick.
Desks that fit
- FLEXISPOT EN1-PRO 63 x 28. The widest straight top here, 28 inches deep, and the only pick whose listing says dual motor. The maker lists 198 pounds. The caveat: the top is 0.63 inches thick, so check your arm's clamp and watch for flex.
- HUANUO 59 x 30 3-Stage. About 59 by 29.5 inches with a 220 pound listed load. Owners say it holds several monitors with room left. The caveat: owners are split on wobble, and three screens make sway easy to see.
- VIVO Corner 63 x 55. An L shape lets you put two screens on the main side and one on the return. The maker lists 225 pounds. The caveat: some owners report one side not lifting properly, and assembly is a big job.
For two 24 inch monitors, the ErGear 48 x 24 is enough. Two 27s fill it edge to edge.
Wobble shows more with more screens
Monitors on arms act like flags. A little sway at the desk top becomes a visible shake at the top of a screen. Pick a desk that reaches your standing height with 2 inches to spare, using the calculator, and put the heavy gear over the legs. See the wobble guide for the rest. All seven desks are compared on the best standing desks page.