Quick Answer: How to Pick the Right Gaming Chair Size

When you’re comparing chairs, focus on these four things first. Getting these right does more for long-term comfort than most “racing” styling — and it’s a big part of why some people end up asking whether gaming chairs are bad for your back after a few months.

1. Seat width – enough room so hips aren’t squeezed but narrow enough to keep armrests close.
2. Seat depth – when sitting back fully, leave 2–3 fingers of space behind the knees.
3. Backrest height – tall enough to support upper back and head without forcing your neck forward.
4. Weight capacity & seat height range – must support your weight and adjust to your desk height.

Step 1: Measure Yourself and Your Desk

These simple measurements make gaming chair sizes easy to match. They’re the same basics we talk about in our office chair vs gaming chair guide — the difference here is that we’re dialing them in specifically for gaming chair sizing.

Your body measurements

• Height – barefoot.
• Weight – rounded to nearest 5 lb / 2 kg.
• Hip width – widest point while seated.
• Thigh length – from lower back/butt to back of knee.
• Shoulder height (seated) – seat to top of shoulders.

Your desk measurements

• Desk height – floor to top of desk.
• Clearance underneath – floor to any drawers/frame.
• Keyboard surface height – include tray if used.

If you’re already dealing with back or neck pain, pair these measurements with the posture tips in our are gaming chairs bad for your back? article so you’re not just matching numbers but also protecting your spine.

Seat Width & Depth: The Heart of Gaming Chair Size

Seat width: avoid squeezed hips and spaced-out armrests

Use hip width to pick internal seat width:

• Hip width under 40 cm (15.7″) → seat width 42–46 cm (16.5–18″)
• Hip width 40–46 cm (15.7–18″) → seat width 46–50 cm (18–19.5″)
• Hip width over 46 cm (18″) → 50+ cm / XL chairs with minimal bolsters

Tip: aggressive side bolsters eat into usable width.

Seat depth: keeps circulation and posture healthy

When sitting fully back, the ideal gaming chair depth leaves 5–8 cm (2–3″) before the front of the seat meets the back of your knees.

• Thigh length under 45 cm (17.7″) → depth 42–46 cm
• Thigh length 45–50 cm (17.7–19.7″) → depth 45–50 cm
• Thigh length over 50 cm (19.7″) → 48–52 cm or XL chairs

Backrest Height: Matching Chair Size to Your Height

• Under 5’6″ (168 cm) → backrest 75–82 cm
• Around 6’0″ (183 cm) → backrest 80–88 cm
• 6’4″+ (193 cm+) → backrest 88 cm+ with XL depth

If the headrest pushes your chin down, the chair is too tall; if your head floats above the backrest, it’s too short.

Weight Capacity and Why It Matters

Pick a chair rated 10–20% above your body weight for comfort + durability:

• 180 lb (82 kg) → 220–250 lb+
• 230 lb (104 kg) → 275–300 lb+
• 280 lb (127 kg) → 300–350 lb

Too low a rating causes premature gas lift failure, base wobble, and recline noise.

Seat Height and Desk Setup: Getting Your Angles Right

You’re aiming for 90° knees + 90° elbows while gaming or working:

• Feet flat on floor
• Forearms parallel to desk
• Armrests level with or just below desk surface

Most chairs list a seat height range. Shorter users should ensure the lower end drops below 45 cm; taller users should ensure the upper end lifts high enough to avoid thigh squeeze under the desk. If you’re still deciding between a more neutral office chair or a racing-style gaming chair for that setup, our office chair vs gaming chair comparison walks through which style makes more sense for long desk time.

Example Fits: 5’6″, 6’0″, and 6’4″+

Around 5’6″ (168 cm)

• Seat width: 42–46 cm
• Seat depth: 42–46 cm
• Backrest: 75–82 cm
• Weight capacity: body weight + 20%

Around 6’0″ (183 cm)

• Seat width: 46–50 cm
• Seat depth: 45–50 cm
• Backrest: 80–88 cm
• Weight capacity: 250 lb+ (113 kg+)

6’4″+ (193 cm+)

• Seat width: 50+ cm
• Seat depth: 48–52 cm
• Backrest: 88 cm+
• Weight capacity: 300–350 lb

How to Read Gaming Chair Size Charts Like a Pro

On product pages, check size fields in this order:

1. Recommended height range
2. Seat width & depth
3. Seat height range
4. Backrest height
5. Weight capacity

For a neutral, science-based resource on posture and chair sizing, see the Cornell University Ergonomics Guide . It explains the health reasoning behind seat height, depth, and backrest alignment without promoting any chair brands. If you want help turning those guidelines into actual gaming chair picks, our best gaming chairs roundup shows how those measurements look on real models.

Common Gaming Chair Size Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying for looks instead of size
• Ignoring weight capacity
• Getting XL when short → lumbar disconnect
• Getting regular when tall → head and shoulders unsupported
• Not matching seat height to desk height

Kids and Floor Gaming Chair Sizes (Quick Note)

• Kids gaming chairs: focus on lower seat heights and feet touching the floor.
• Floor gaming chairs: height of the backrest becomes the main sizing factor.

Ready to Pick a Chair Now That You Know Your Size?

Once you know your seat width, seat depth, backrest height, and weight range, it’s easy to skip generic models and focus on gaming chairs that actually fit.

Ready to pick a chair now that you know your size? Check out our Best Gaming Chairs guide to see which chairs match the measurements you just took.