Desk chair clearance: measured footprint and movement zone

A Herman Miller Aeron Size B example has a maximum published outer footprint of about 772 mm wide by 719 mm deep, depending on arm configuration. That is the chair body, not the space needed to pull back, turn or walk behind it. CCOHS says a chair must suit the user's body, workstation and task and gives no universal numeric movement clearance.

A manufacturer-measured chair example

Maximum listed outer width
77.2 cm2 ft 6 in
Maximum listed overall depth
71.9 cm2 ft 4 in
Maximum listed overall height
104.4 cm3 ft 5 in
Seat depth
43.2 cm1 ft 5 in
Movement/pull-back zone
User- and task-selected; no universal numeric minimum is assumed.
Assumptions for a manufacturer-measured chair example
  • The outer width/depth use the maximum of the manufacturer-published Size B range so the example does not understate its footprint.
  • For a chair parked fully outside a desk, add the user's chosen pull-back zone to the measured chair projection. If the chair tucks under the desk, measure the exposed projection in that actual configuration instead of adding the entire chair depth.
  • A clear route, turning space, armrest width and floor/caster behavior depend on the person and room; this page does not convert them into a code or ergonomic minimum.

Sources and evidence

  • Office Ergonomics - Ergonomic Chair Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS); accessed 2026-10-08

    Says chair fit depends on the worker, workstation and task; advises sufficient seat/back support and movement but does not state a universal numeric pull-back clearance.

  • Aeron Chair Size and Dimensions Herman Miller; accessed 2026-10-08

    For Size B with fully adjustable arms, the manufacturer lists overall width 28.3-30.4 in, overall depth 27.5-28.3 in, height 36.8-41.1 in and seat depth 17 in. The example uses maximum dimensions converted to millimeters and rounded to the nearest millimeter.