Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Stature (cm) | Seat (cm) | Knee (°) | Softness (cm) | Recommended (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse stool, firm floor | 168 | 44 | 95 | 0.0 | 5–9 |
| Garden bench, boots, soft lawn | 175 | 48 | 100 | 1.5 | 9–13 |
| Potting bench seat, slight slope | 182 | 52 | 105 | 0.8 | 14–18 |
Formula Used
The calculator estimates popliteal height (seat-to-sole vertical distance) using simple ergonomic ratios, then adjusts for knee angle, surface slope, and ground softness.
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure seat height from the ground to where you sit.
- Enter stature, and add inseam if you know it.
- Pick a knee angle that feels relaxed for garden work.
- Add shoe thickness and ground softness for outdoor accuracy.
- Submit to see the recommended height and comfort range.
Why footrest height matters outdoors
Garden seating often sits lower than indoor chairs, while uneven soil changes ankle and knee alignment. An accurately sized footrest reduces thigh pressure at the seat edge, supports circulation during long potting sessions, and helps keep your torso upright when reaching planters, tools, or seedlings.
Inputs that influence the recommendation
Seat height sets the vertical gap your legs must bridge. Stature or inseam estimates the popliteal distance from seat to sole, while shoe thickness adds measurable lift for boots and work shoes. Desired knee angle fine‑tunes comfort; a slightly open knee can ease strain during pruning or transplanting. Ground softness and slope adjust the number for lawn, mulch, or gravel.
How the calculator models leg support
The calculation starts with a popliteal estimate using practical body‑ratio constants. It then applies cosine adjustments for knee opening and surface slope to approximate the effective vertical drop from seat to feet. The footrest height is the seat height minus that effective drop, plus a sink allowance when the platform may compress into soft ground. A small comfort band helps you test real‑world feel. It offers a repeatable starting point when you cannot test multiple heights.
Using results in garden setups
Build a stable platform with a wide top, textured surface, and drainage gaps if it will stay outdoors. For greenhouse benches, a simple wooden rail or movable block can match the suggested range. For lawn work, a broader base reduces tipping and limits sinking. If you share the space, mark two positions on the support to serve common height ranges. This improves comfort during repetitive watering and seeding.
Quality checks and adjustments
After setting the platform, sit with feet resting naturally and check that hips are level without sliding forward. If heels lift, lower the support; if legs dangle, raise it. Recheck when changing footwear or moving onto softer ground. For safety, avoid narrow supports, keep edges rounded, and store the footrest where it stays dry between sessions. Small changes of one to two centimeters usually feel noticeable, so adjust gradually and confirm stability before loading tools or leaning sideways.
FAQs
What height range is most common for garden stools?
Many garden stools pair well with footrests around 5–15 cm, but the right number depends on seat height and your leg length. Use the comfort range to test what feels neutral at the knees.
Should I measure with shoes or barefoot?
Measure the way you work most often. Boots can add 1–3 cm, changing the support height. If you switch footwear, keep a small shim or spacer nearby to adapt quickly.
How do I handle soft grass or loose soil?
Increase the sink allowance to match how much the platform compresses. A wider base, paver, or plank reduces sinking and keeps the effective height closer to your calculated value.
Does knee angle really matter?
Yes. A slightly open knee can feel easier during long tasks, while a tight angle may increase pressure under the thighs. Adjust the target angle and compare results before building a fixed platform.
Can I use this for a potting bench foot rail?
Yes. Treat the rail as your footrest height and confirm with a quick sit test. For shared benches, consider two rails or a movable block to serve different users.
What if the calculator suggests zero centimeters?
That usually means the seat is low enough that your feet already rest comfortably on the ground. You can skip the footrest or use a thin mat for traction and comfort.