How to Measure for the Perfect Bar Stool Height

One of the most common mistakes Australian homeowners make when buying bar stools is choosing the wrong height. A stool that's too tall leaves you hunched over your food, while one that's too short makes you feel like a child at the grown-ups' table. Getting the height right is absolutely essential for comfort, and fortunately, it's not complicated once you understand the basic principles.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to measure your counter or bar, explain the standard height categories used in Australia, and help you determine which stool height will work best for your specific situation. Whether you're furnishing a kitchen island, home bar, or outdoor entertaining area, you'll finish this article knowing precisely what to look for.

Understanding the Standard Height Categories

Bar stools in Australia generally fall into three main height categories. Understanding these categories is the first step to making the right choice.

Counter Height Stools (60-66cm)

Counter height stools are designed to pair with standard Australian kitchen benches, which typically measure between 88 and 92 centimetres from the floor. This is the most common height for kitchen islands and breakfast bars in Australian homes. If your kitchen was built or renovated in the last two decades, there's a strong chance your bench falls into this range.

Counter height stools are generally more versatile and easier to get on and off, making them ideal for families with children or elderly members. They also tend to be more stable due to their lower centre of gravity.

Bar Height Stools (74-80cm)

Bar height stools are taller, designed for raised bars typically found in home entertainment areas, outdoor kitchens, or dedicated bar spaces. These bars usually measure between 104 and 110 centimetres high. If you've installed a purpose-built home bar or have a raised outdoor entertaining area, you'll likely need bar height stools.

Keep in mind that bar height stools require more climbing to mount, which can be challenging for some users. They also require adequate foot support since your feet won't reach the floor.

Adjustable Height Stools

Adjustable stools, usually featuring a gas lift mechanism, offer flexibility by covering a range of heights—typically from about 58 to 82 centimetres. These are excellent choices if you have multiple counter heights in your home, if family members vary significantly in height, or if you're unsure about the exact measurements you need.

How to Measure Your Counter or Bar

Now for the practical part. Here's exactly how to measure your surface to determine the right stool height.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

You'll need a tape measure and something to write with. A steel tape measure is more accurate than a cloth one, but either will work for this purpose.

Step 2: Measure from Floor to Underside

Measure from the floor to the underside of your counter or bar top—not to the top surface. This measurement accounts for the thickness of the counter, which can vary from 2 to 6 centimetres depending on the material. Stone benchtops tend to be thicker than laminate, so this distinction matters.

Step 3: Calculate the Ideal Seat Height

The golden rule is to leave between 25 and 30 centimetres between the seat of your stool and the underside of your counter. This gap provides comfortable legroom while allowing you to sit close enough to eat or work comfortably.

Step 4: Do the Maths

Take your measurement from Step 2 and subtract 25-30cm. The result is your ideal seat height.

For example: If your counter underside measures 88cm from the floor, subtract 28cm (the middle of the comfort zone) to get 60cm—a standard counter height stool.

Accounting for Personal Preferences

While the 25-30cm rule works for most people, personal factors can influence your ideal measurement.

Height Considerations

Taller individuals (over 180cm) often prefer the lower end of the gap range (25-26cm), which positions the seat higher relative to the counter. Shorter individuals typically find 28-30cm more comfortable, as the slightly lower seat is easier to climb onto.

Intended Use

Consider how you'll primarily use the stools. For casual dining and conversation, a slightly larger gap works well. For working on a laptop or detailed activities like crafting, you may want to sit closer to the surface.

Armrests and Backrests

If you're considering stools with arms, measure carefully to ensure the armrests will clear the underside of your counter. Many counter-height stools with arms won't tuck under a standard 88cm bench. You'll need at least 65cm clearance for most armrest styles.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

After years of helping Australian homeowners find the right bar stools, we've seen these mistakes repeatedly:

• Measuring to the top of the counter instead of the underside. This can throw your calculations off by 2-6cm.
• Forgetting about floor variations. If your floor isn't level, measure in the exact spot where stools will sit.
• Ignoring the overhang. Most counters have a 20-30cm overhang for legroom. Make sure this overhang is adequate for the stool style you choose.
• Assuming all stools in a category are identical. A "counter height" stool from one manufacturer might be 60cm, while another's is 66cm. Always check specific product dimensions.

What If You're Between Sizes?

If your calculations land you between standard heights—say, your ideal is 68cm but stools come in 65cm or 75cm—here's what to consider:

Generally, it's better to go slightly lower than higher. A stool that's a few centimetres too short is easier to adapt to than one that's too tall. You can always add a cushion to a lower stool, but you can't make a tall stool shorter.

Alternatively, adjustable stools elegantly solve the "between sizes" problem, letting each user find their perfect height.

Final Recommendations

Measuring for bar stool height isn't complicated, but it does require attention to detail. Take accurate measurements, apply the 25-30cm rule, and consider personal factors like user height and intended use. When in doubt, adjustable stools offer valuable flexibility.

Remember that comfort is ultimately subjective. If possible, test stools at a showroom before purchasing, sitting at a surface similar in height to yours. Your body will quickly tell you whether a height feels right.