A common – and justified – question about office chairs for the plus-sized is “How much weight can an office chair hold”?
The basic office chair can hold a weight of about 250 pounds. Bigger ones, however, can manage anything between 275 to 825 pounds.
When purchasing office chairs, this is one of the first things you should consider.
There is no one-size-fits-all, and offering various choices for your visitors and staff guarantees their safety and the lifespan of your office chairs.
Table of Contents
- 1 How much weight can an office chair hold? Introduction
- 2 Weight limit of oversized office chairs for big and tall users: How much weight can an office chair hold?
- 3 How does your office chair carry your weight?
- 4 Other considerations when picking a workplace chair
- 5 How much weight can an office chair hold? Summary
How much weight can an office chair hold? Introduction
What about the weight capability of standard office chairs?
Well, basic office chairs can generally bear weights up to 250 pounds and are easily spotted by their mid-back design.
Some brands might state that their office chair can support around 325 pounds.
But beware: It’s hardly ever the case, especially if it’s on the less expensive side.
Weight limit of oversized office chairs for big and tall users: How much weight can an office chair hold?
On the other hand, bigger office chairs with a high backrest can support more, from 275 to 825 lbs.
But as with most products, it depends on the model and brand.
Make sure that you do your research properly, and if you’ve decided on a model, make sure that you have some leeway.
A 50lb extra allowance would be enough to make sure that you’re not asking too much of your new purchase.
The best desk chairs for plus-size people are created to hold between 275 and 825 pounds and are built with more long-lasting parts, enabling them to easily support increased sizes and weights.
How does your office chair carry your weight?
Looking at an office chair, it’s tough to believe that it can support a lot of weight.
That supported comes from the base and generally has 4- or 5-wheel casters.
The seat and backrest also offer support; if substandard, the chair won’t support your weight properly and will not last long.
So you really need to keep an eye out for high-quality, resilient materials, especially the cylinder.
As strange as it may be, this one beam supports approximately 275 pounds, and it’s nothing more than physics.
Office chairs use pressurized or compressed air in the cylinder that holds up the seat: Pneumatics will allow you to change the chair’s height.
Other considerations when picking a workplace chair
While the office chair’s weight limit is one vital factor in determining your office chair choice, there are other things to consider, so read on.
Width of the office chair ↔
Even a chair that can hold a greater weight might be unusable if the width is too narrow.
So make sure that it’s designed to fit a larger body and choose a model with a high load capacity and a high durability.
Height of the desk chair ↕
How high is the chair?
If you’re trying to find one to support your neck and spine, and you’re taller than average, you might need an office chair with a higher back than usual.
Ability to make adjustments ⚙
The best office chairs have adjustable features to fit different body sizes and types.
For example, find a chair with adjustable armrests, seat depth, back height and lumbar assistance.
Having the ability to make little adjustments can make all the difference to alleviate hip pain in your office chair or allowing you to have a good sitting posture.
Work productivity 📈
The much better the chair, the less you need to think about it, and the more you can concentrate on the job at hand.
So besides the physical aspect, there’s something else to consider.
The right comfortable office chair will enhance your efficiency and performance.
Are you comfortable? 😒
How comfortable is your chair?
Do you feel supported enough, or are you constantly uncomfortable and is your bum sore from sitting?
Overall impact on your health ❤
Believe it or not, ergonomic seating can boost a person’s flow, help food digestion, minimize stress and immediately tackle musculoskeletal discomfort.
You should also pay attention to the harmful effects of a sedentary existence.
Tip: Read our related article for more in-depth information on the risks of spending too much time in an office chair.
How much weight can an office chair hold? Summary
Overall, workplace chairs have various weight capabilities, with seats designed for different sizes.
The most common chairs can just support around 250 pounds. The best bigger heavy-duty office chairs , however, have a broader range from 275 to 825 lbs.
Each part of the chair is designed to support the weight of the user: The casters, base, pneumatic cylinder, seat plate, cushioning, and backrest.
Trying to find a place to go to for the right office chairs?
Read our office chair buying guide covering several exceptional models that support up to 600 pounds and are backed by a multi-year service warranty covering wear and tear.