Office Screen Sizes: Standard Heights, Widths and How Many You Need

Office screens come in two main sizes: tall freestanding screens that divide floor space, and shorter desk screens that sit between people at their desks. The right size depends on whether people will be sitting or standing, how much privacy you need, and how long the run is. This guide covers standard heights and widths, what each one does, and how to work out how many screens you need.

Freestanding office screen heights

Freestanding screens stand on the floor on their own feet. Height is measured from the floor to the top of the screen.

Height	What it does	Best for
800 to 1000mm	Marks out space, keeps everything visible	Reception edges, waiting areas, low zoning
1200mm	Privacy when seated, sightlines open when standing	Between rows of desks
1400 to 1500mm	Seated privacy and better sound control	Team zones, breakout edges
1600 to 1800mm	Privacy when standing, strong visual separation	Meeting corners, quiet zones, walkways
2000mm	Close to room height	Informal meeting spaces, focus areas

As a rule, taller screens block more sightlines and absorb more speech. If people will be standing to talk, go to at least 1600mm.

Our Edge Fabric 38 screens come in heights from 800 to 1800mm. Muffle 70 acoustic screens come in 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2000mm heights.

Freestanding office screen widths

Standard widths run from 800mm to 1800mm, usually in 200mm steps. Edge Fabric 38 comes in widths from 800 to 1600mm and Muffle 70 from 800 to 1800mm.

• Narrow screens (800 to 1000mm) are easier to move and fit around columns, doors and odd corners.
• Wide screens (1400 to 1800mm) need fewer joins and feet, so long runs look cleaner and cost less per metre.

Desk screen sizes

Desk screens are measured from the desk top to the top of the screen.

• 380 to 450mm: light separation that keeps the office feeling open.
• Around 500mm: a good balance of privacy and openness for most desks.
• 600 to 650mm: the most privacy when seated, suited to call centres and focused work.

Match the screen width to the desk, or go slightly narrower so it does not overhang. Our desk divider sizes guide covers widths, side screens and clamps in detail.

How many office screens do you need?

1. Measure the length of each run in millimetres.
2. Divide by the screen width you have chosen.
3. Round up to the next whole screen.

For example, a 6m run needs four 1600mm screens or five 1200mm screens. Count each side of an L-shape or bay as its own run. Screens join together with screen connectors, so add one connector for each join.

Thickness and acoustic performance

Thickness affects how much sound a screen absorbs and how sturdy it feels.

• Around 30 to 40mm: light fabric screens for privacy and zoning.
• 50 to 70mm: acoustic screens with a deeper sound-absorbing core. Muffle 70 is 70mm thick.

If noise is the main problem, choose an acoustic screen and the tallest height that suits the space. Our acoustic screens buyer's guide explains what to look for.

Safety and layout tips

• Keep walkways and fire exits clear. Do not block emergency signs or escape routes.
• Use stabilising feet or link screens together for tall runs.
• Leave space for doors to open fully and for chairs to move.
• Check sightlines from reception and entrances before you fix a layout.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard height for office screens?

Most freestanding office screens are between 1200mm and 1800mm high. 1200mm gives privacy when seated. 1600 to 1800mm gives privacy when standing.

What is the standard width for office screens?

Common widths are 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1600 and 1800mm. Wider screens need fewer joins on long runs.

How tall should a desk screen be?

Around 400 to 500mm above the desk suits most open-plan offices. Go to 600mm or more for call centres or focused work.

How do I work out how many screens I need?

Divide the length of the run by the screen width and round up. Count each leg of an L-shape or bay separately.

Can you make office screens to a custom size?

Many of our screens are made to order. Contact us with your sizes and we will tell you what is possible.

Not sure which size you need? Send us your floor plan and we will recommend the right screens for free.