How Much Desk Space Do You Need for 2 Monitors?

The Ideal Desk Size for 2 Monitors

Assuming an average monitor size of 24 inches, the average width of these monitors sits at 22 inches. Two 24-inch monitors placed side-by-side would need a desk that is at least 44 inches wide.

The ideal desk size of 50 inches gives you enough room to space the monitors out appropriately and accommodate any other materials that you have on your desk.

The depth of the desk, 25 inches, allows you enough room to keep your keyboard and mouse in an appropriate ergonomic position.

How to Calculate the Desk Space You Need for 2 Monitors

You should maintain a minimum depth of 25 inches to keep your monitors at an appropriate distance from your face and allow enough room for your mouse and keyboard.

You can increase this number to about 30 or 35 inches without issue.

To calculate the width of the desk, you need you must know the width of your monitors.

Keep in mind that the width of the monitors is not the same number as the one that identifies your monitor. 

This number refers to the diagonal measurement across the display. It also does not take the frame or bezel into consideration.

You should measure the actual width of both monitors to get this number, then add them together.

This is the minimum width to consider when calculating the necessary width of your desk.

Often, the actual number is wider than what you calculate.

You may not want your screens pushed right up against each other, and there are other peripherals and accessories to consider.

Details to Consider for Desk Space with 2 Monitors

When determining the desk space you need with 2 monitors, you should also look at:

• Anything else you keep on you
• How you can manage the extra cables
• What’s available on your current desk (if you’re shopping for monitors)
• Desk design and storage features
• Desk stability and strength

All these details affect the ideal surface area you need to work at your desk, accommodating your monitors and anything else you need to keep at hand.

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Additional Desk Accessories:

Take inventory of anything else you want to keep on your desktop, such as:

• Peripherals, such as speakers, mice, and keyboards
• Utensil holders
• Decorations
• Lighting (for streaming or recording video)

You may just want to keep a minimalistic design with monitors and peripherals, but you mustn’t forget anything else you want to keep close.

Cable Management:

While you won’t have a ton of extra cords to deal with, adding an extra monitor means that cable management is even more important.

Letting everything hang out may have worked fine before, but it looks a lot messier and takes up unnecessary space. 

Because this space is even more valuable with a dual-monitor setup, it’s essential to find an effective cable management system.

If you’re shopping for a new desk, look for options that have built-in features such as an integrated power supply or desk grommets that channel the cords underneath.

You can add these features to your existing desk area or look into cable ties and tether systems.

Current Available Space:

If you’re shopping for monitors that fit your current space, remember to work backward.

Start with the width of your desk, then subtract the space you need for other items on the desk.

The remainder is the space you have available for 2 monitors.

In most cases, you want 2 identical monitors to achieve a certain visual appearance, but you can mix sizes as long as they do not exceed the available area.

You can also refer to our tips for fitting 2 monitors on a smaller desk space to maximize what is already available.

Desk Features and Design:

Look at the design of the desk and any storage features that can help maximize your space.

Common examples of this include:

• A keyboard tray under the desk
• Built-in monitor risers
• Integrated shelving
• Drawers

These allow you to compromise on desk space because they provide other areas to keep items close at hand.

It can also prevent the need to purchase additional storage units to accommodate these items.

Desk Stability and Strength:

Cheaper desks usually work fine for light use, but they can struggle when you’re piling up items such as:

• Multiple monitors
• Gaming rigs
• Desk accessories

Even if they are strong enough to accommodate the weight, it may be too much for the desk to maintain its stability.

The last thing you want is for the desk to topple over or collapse with pricey equipment on top of it.

Ensure that the desk has a sturdy, thick frame (ideally metal) and a durable work surface to protect your investment.

How to Fit 2 Monitors on a Smaller Desk Space

Adjust the Expectations

If you’re shopping for 2 monitors and want to maximize smaller desk space, consider smaller screens.

They may not be the size you were hoping for, but you can still get the dual-screen dual-screen benefit without crowding your workspace.

Pay attention to variables that can encroach on your available space, such as thicker frames or bezels.

The difference may seem minor on a spec sheet, but it makes a big difference on your desk.

Another option is to use a laptop as your second screen. You still get the same benefits, but you can put the laptop away as needed to maximize the workspace.

Use a Monitor Riser, Monitor Mount, or Wall Mount:

There are plenty of options to move your monitors off your desk surface and allow you more room underneath. These include:

• Risers
• Monitors mounts that attach to the desk
• Monitor mounts that attach to the wall

Some desks have a built-in shelf that lets you put your monitors on the second level, but you can purchase adjustable risers at a low cost. You can do this for just one monitor, or you can look for a riser designed to accommodate two.

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Monitor mounts replace the stand of your monitor. The ones that attach to your desk usually clamp to the surface, and it clears up the surface completely.

These mounts allow you greater control over the position of your monitors.

Wall mounts are another option for a dual monitor setup, but it’s more difficult to adjust the monitor, and it limits how you can move your desk around.

These risers and mounts also help you adjust your monitors to the correct height for proper posture.

Try a V-Shaped Arrangement:

While the most straightforward arrangement is putting the 2 monitors right next to each other, it’s not the only route.

You can angle your monitors in the shape of a V, even without an L-shaped desk.

This mimics the effects of a curved monitor, and you don’t need to do much to diminish the width requirement of a dual monitor setup.

This doesn’t work for everyone, and it takes up more front-to-back space. To keep a proper distance from your monitors, your desk should be deeper than what is recommended.

As long as you don’t mind this layout, it’s a good way to take advantage of depth over width with a smaller desk.

Consider Vertical Orientation:

Horizontal orientation is the default for monitors, but vertical orientation diminishes the required width and offers a few additional benefits.

While this doesn’t work to expand the traditional desktop, vertical orientation works better for long-form views.

You can scroll through chats and pages with more ease, taking advantage of the extended length of the screen.

Because this setup is increasing in popularity, it’s not hard to find affordable monitor options for this purpose.

Extend the Surface of Your Desk:

You can always add a few inches onto your desk as needed.

An easy way to do this is by adding a CPU stand or other shelf at the side to accommodate your computer tower and other accessories.

If you match it to the height of your desk, it provides a near-seamless appearance.

Alternatively, you can add to the surface area with some wood and proper supports.

This works well as a temporary or low-cost solution, and you can add as much desk space as you need for 2 monitors.

Final Thoughts

There are no one-size-fits-all answers to how much desk space you need for 2 monitors, but you can calculate the right size for you by taking inventory of your needs.

While a 50 in. x 25 in. desk works for the average setup, it might not be the best for you.

A dual monitor setup is often worth the extra space it takes up, but starting with the appropriate surface area is ideal.