Furniture · Reference
Counter-height stools have 24–26 in (61–66 cm) seats for 36 in (91 cm) counters; bar-height stools have 28–32 in (71–81 cm) seats for 40–42 in (102–107 cm) bars. Leave 10–12 in (25–30 cm) of clearance.
A stool is specified by seat height above the floor plus seat width/depth; seat height must be matched to the counter or bar height.
| Stool type | Seat height | Counter / bar height | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counter-height | 24–26 in (61–66 cm) | 34–36 in (86–91 cm) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Bar-height | 28–32 in (71–81 cm) | 40–42 in (102–107 cm) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Spectator / extra-tall | 34–36 in (86–91 cm) | 46–48 in (117–122 cm) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Standard chair (reference) | 18 in (46 cm) | 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Surface height | Recommended stool seat height |
|---|---|
| Kitchen counter — 36 in (91 cm) | 24–26 in (61–66 cm) |
| Bar / raised counter — 40–42 in (102–107 cm) | 28–32 in (71–81 cm); 30 in (76 cm) most common |
| Spectator bar — 46–48 in (117–122 cm) | 34–36 in (86–91 cm) |
| Dining table — 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) chair |
| Guideline | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Legroom rule | Subtract 10–12 in (25–30 cm) from the surface height to get seat height |
| Seat-to-surface clearance | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) from seat top to underside of the surface |
| Spacing per stool | Allow 20–24 in (51–61 cm) of counter width per stool |
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Counter-height stools have 24–26 in (61–66 cm) seats for 34–36 in (86–91 cm) counters, while bar-height stools have taller 28–32 in (71–81 cm) seats for 40–42 in (102–107 cm) bars — about 6 in higher.
For a standard 36 in (91 cm) kitchen counter, choose a counter-height stool with a 24–26 in (61–66 cm) seat, leaving about 10–12 in (25–30 cm) of legroom.
A 40–42 in (102–107 cm) bar calls for a bar-height stool with a 28–32 in (71–81 cm) seat; 30 in (76 cm) is the most common choice.
Leave 10–12 in (25–30 cm) between the seat top and the underside of the counter or bar. The easy way to size a stool is to subtract 10–12 in from your surface height.
Allow about 20–24 in (51–61 cm) of counter or bar width per stool so guests have room to sit and move without bumping elbows.
Every figure on this page is traced to a named source, linked under each table. Standard sizes come from published standards and established industry references; where a size is a typical range or varies by manufacturer, we say so. Sizes vary by region, model and revision — treat these as the standard reference, and confirm the exact spec of the item you are selling.
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