What is it?

The Desk Meter is a practical tool for tracking the height of your adjustable desk. By using a laser to measure the distance to the floor, it gives you an (more or less) accurate reading of the desk’s current position. Whether you’re switching between sitting and standing or just want to ensure consistent ergonomics, this device makes it easy to find and maintain your ideal height.

The device works on any variable height desk, even the hand-cranked ones.

Why did you make it?

I started with an IKEA height-adjustable desk, which was great for alternating between sitting and standing, but it lacked an easy way to track and repeat specific height settings. I often found myself guessing the right height each time, which was frustrating and time-consuming. This inspired me to create the Desk Meter—a compact, reliable solution to measure the desk's height accurately and ensure consistency, making my workspace more efficient and ergonomic.

What makes it special?

The Desk Meter is a simple yet functional device built with an ESP8266 MCU, a laser distance module, and a 4-digit LED display. Powered via USB-C, it measures the distance from your desk to the ground—just make sure to declutter the floor beneath it for accurate readings. The device comes as a DIY kit that’s perfect for hobbyists. While it may not be ideal for your very first soldering project, it’s an excellent choice for a second project. Experienced makers can assemble it in about 10 minutes.

The kit includes all components, 3D-printed parts, and a precision jig to ensure perfect alignment. Prefer to skip soldering? You can also order a pre-assembled version that’s ready to use—just plug it in and you’re good to go! (usb-C cable and usb power adapter not included).

The MCU is pre-programmed to display the height in either centimeters, inches (2,54cm) or bananas (18cm), based on your favorite unit. The software is open-source (VSCode/PlatformIO/Arduino), giving you the freedom to customize or enhance its functionality.

The case comes standard in black or beige, but I can offer custom colors depending on what I have in stock. Let me know your preferred color when placing your order!