- On this page:
- Common Seat Heights
- Calculators
- Height FAQs
How to Choose the Right Bar Stool Height for Your Kitchen or Bar
Before getting swept up in fabrics and finishes, let’s tackle the one thing that matters most: counter stool height. Once you know that number, choosing your bar stools suddenly becomes so much easier.
How Do You Find the Correct Bar Stool Height?
Here’s the easiest method to figure it out:
- Measure your counter from the floor to the top.
- Subtract 10-12 inches – this is your ideal seat height.
- Order stools that are closest to this seat height.
This gives you enough legroom to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.
Seat Heights
What Stool Height Do You Need for a Counter Height Surface?
If your counter measures 34–36 inches tall, the ideal counter stool height is 24–26 inches. These are commonly called counter height stools.
Shop counter height stools
What Stool Height Works Best for Bar Height Counters?
If your counter or bar table is 40–42 inches tall, choose stools with a 30 inch seat height. These are known as bar height stools.
Shop bar height stools
What Is Spectator Height and Which Stools Fit It?
For taller pub tables or counters measuring 46–48 inches, look for stools with a 34 inch seat height. These are often called spectator height stools.
Shop spectator height stools
What Stool Height Do You Need for Extra-Tall Surfaces?
If your counter is extremely tall — around 50 inches — you’ll need stools with a 36–37 inch seat height.
Shop extra tall height stoolsBefore You Choose a Height
If you want to test the seat height before ordering, place a dining chair at your counter and raise it with a sturdy stack of books. This gives you a real-world sense of how high the stool should feel for everyday use. These guidelines are a great starting point, but the final decision always comes down to what feels comfortable for you.
Calculators
Bar Stool Height Calculator
Learn the correct stool height you need to fit comfortably at your counter.
Bar Stool Quantity Calculator
Learn how many stools you need to fit comfortably at your counter.
Bar Stool Height FAQs
A bar stool measures 30-32 inches from the top of the seat to the floor.
A counter stool measures 24-29 inches from the top of the seat to the floor. This is a standard counter height.
Aim for 10–12 inches of space from the top of the seat to the underside of the counter.
This keeps sitting comfortable without your knees feeling crowded.
Grab a tape measure and check:
From floor to the very top of the counter.
Measure in more than one spot, as counters can vary slightly.
Counters today come in a wide range of heights, so measuring is essential.
The highest seat height we have seen is 40 inches and that is recommended for counters that are 50 inches or higher.
The shortest seat height for a bar stool is 17 inches, but that is also referred to as a vanity stool. Stools at this height are ideal for bathrooms, children’s rooms, and garages.
For a 36 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of 26 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches. Some customers prefer a 24″ seat height which will sit lower, but this is all up to personal preference.
For a 42 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of around 30 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
For a 44 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of 32-34 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
For a 48 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of 36-37 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
For a 50 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of 40 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
While bar stools may vary by manufacturer, if you have purchased a bar stool from us, there are a few options to increase its height. Firstly, you can consider ordering a thicker foot glide specifically designed for our bar stools.
Alternatively, if your bar stool has a wooden seat, you can explore the option of ordering a tie-on seat cushion, which can provide some additional height. Unfortunately, beyond these options, there are limited alternatives for increasing the height of a bar stool.
In the event that you accidentally purchased a bar stool with the incorrect seat height, you may want to consider ordering a base in a different height to meet your specific needs.
Most manufacturers offer the ability to order a new base. Some of them, like our Holland brand, allow returns so you can swap out a base with the right height.
Allow about 20–24 inches of space per stool, depending on the width of the design.
Your counter width will help you determine the right number — our calculator below does the math for you.
We have height measurements for nearly all of our stools with arms. Please make sure to check these measurements or the stools might butt up against your countertop and you won’t be able to tuck in. Most of our stools with arms fit under standard counter overhangs, but it’s important to double check.
Most kitchen counters will have nothing beneath the counter, in order to give you the most space for pulling up a stool. You should take special care with counters like the one on the right, with “underhangs” below the counter. Sometimes these counters weren’t made with stools in mind.
Overhang (left), Underhang (right):
If you plan to move the stool between different height counters, we recommend an adjustable height stool. Adjustable stools are also great if you’re concerned with ergonomics and want to get the
perfect height.
Chair and vanity-height stools have a seat height of approximately 17-inch.
These low height stools are perfect for your desk or vanity table.
