FREE DESK RESOURCE
Desk Measurement Checklist: A Printable Setup Worksheet
Before you buy another desk accessory, measure the space you actually use. This printable checklist helps you collect the five footprints our free desk planner needs, then check the result against an ordinary work, study, or gaming session.
Measure what touches the desktop
Start with the usable width and depth of your desk. If a fixed shelf or speaker occupies part of it, record the clear rectangular area you plan to use. A curved or corner desk may need a smaller working rectangle; the planner models a rectangle.
For a monitor, measure the stand or base, including any splayed feet. Screen size is a diagonal measurement and cannot tell you how much desk space the stand occupies. Also look above the base for screen overhang; that is a separate check.
Include movement, not just objects
A keyboard footprint should include a wrist rest if you leave one in place. For mouse space, try a normal task and notice the area you sweep through. A narrow patch of empty desk is only useful if it lets you move the mouse as you normally do.
If one desk mat sits under both the keyboard and mouse, record the keyboard and mouse areas separately instead of counting the entire mat twice. Leave extra room for cable connections that extend behind equipment.
Reserve a spot you can reach
Set your glasses, a notebook, or the accessory you already own where you want it to live. Include the space needed to pick it up. A holder’s height does not tell you its base width or depth, and the planner’s starting accessory dimensions are examples.
Buying a Desk Buddy? Compare the real photos and published heights in the size and fit guide. Ask us about any missing measurement before relying on an exact footprint.
KEEP THIS WITH YOUR MEASUREMENTS
Your desk measurement worksheet
Desk / room: Units: inches / centimeters (circle one)
| What to measure | Width | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Usable desktop | ||
| Monitor base | ||
| Keyboard + wrist rest | ||
| Mouse movement area | ||
| Reserved accessory area |
Chosen gap around edges and between items:
- ☐ I measured the monitor base, including its widest feet.
- ☐ I included a wrist rest or any keyboard overhang.
- ☐ I moved the mouse through a normal task and checked the space it uses.
- ☐ I tested notebook, charging cable, and glasses placement on the actual desk.
Use these measurements at www.shopdeskbuddies.com/desk-space-planner. This worksheet checks surface footprints; it does not assess posture, structural loads, or every possible layout.
Turn your measurements into a layout
Open the free desk space planner, choose inches or centimeters, and replace every example value with your own measurements. It checks a back row for the monitor base and accessory area, and a front row for keyboard and mouse space.
If this arrangement needs more room, adjust the real layout or test another arrangement on the desk. The tool does not prove that every other layout will fail. Keep your measured values when trying a different gap.
Check a real session before shopping
Place the existing items on the desktop, open a book or notebook, connect the charger, and take your glasses off as you normally would. Watch for the things you have to move repeatedly. That is a more useful buying brief than filling every empty spot.
For a shared room, our dorm desk organization guide adds a study-to-evening reset. If the desk already has room for your frames, the gift finder helps you compare character and bow options.
Common questions
Does this measure the size of a Desk Buddies holder?
No. It is a blank worksheet for your own measurements. The planner’s accessory example is not a measured Pikachu or Hello Kitty footprint.
Can I print it without signing up?
Yes. Use Print checklist or your browser’s print command. No account, email address, or purchase is needed.