Open Office Space Planning Guide: Dimensions and Layouts

An open space office blends communal and private areas, facilitating collaboration, idea exchange, teamwork, and solo-focused work. This type of space provides great design flexibility, but it needs to be planned in a space-efficient manner that optimizes efficiency. Achieving this requires careful curation of workstations combined with private areas and other furniture pieces and facilities within the space.

 

 

Chair Dimensions

Office chairs are designed for comfort and ergonomic support during long work hours. They typically have adjustable features like height and backrest, and their standard dimensions range from 70 to 80 / 27.5-31.5" cm in width and 60 to 80 / 25.5 - 35.5" cm in depth.

 

Individual Workstation Dimensions

Office desks commonly measure 120 to 160 cm / 47"-63" in width and 60 to 80 cm / 23.5-31.5" in depth, providing ample space for computer equipment and paperwork.

 

Work‑Group / Benching Workstation

Common bench workstations: 2-seat, 4-seat, and 6-seat face-to-face or back-to-back workstations.

Single module workstations use standard individual desk dimensions: 48-60 in W × 24-30 in D.

Internal clearance between modules (back-to-back):

Min: 78 in (6.5 ft); Rec: 84-96 in (7-8 ft), allowing employees on both sides to back up their chairs simultaneously without interference.

 

Booth Dimensions

Private booths are enclosed spaces designed to provide privacy and focus within an open space office environment. These compact work areas typically fit one to four people and come in various shapes and sizes, while a benchmark size could be around 120 to 200 cm / 47.2"-78.7" in width and depth.

 

Storage Dimensions

Office storage units are essential organizational components that keep documents, supplies, and personal items neatly stored and easily accessible. These units, such as cabinets or shelving systems, come in various sizes and configurations, as demonstrated in a few examples above.

 

Circulation Aisle: Open-space core circulation path with all passageways clear width.

 

| Aisle Type | Minimum | Recommended | Use Case |

|---|---|---|---|

| Main Aisle (Two-way traffic, evacuation route) | 44 in (3ft-8in) | 60-72 in (5-6 ft) | Runs through the office, leads to exits and meeting rooms, must meet ADA wheelchair accessibility requirements |

| Secondary Aisle (between workstation rows) | 36 in (3 ft) | 42-48 in (3.5-4 ft) | One-way/staggered passage between workstation rows; minimum ADA clearance 36 in |

| Front Cabinet Access Aisle (in front of filing cabinets/lockers) | 30 in | 36 in | Standing operating space with drawers fully extended |

| Turning Space at the End of Workstation | 48 in | 60 in | Turning at both ends of workgroup pods, pushing office carts |

 

 

Computer Screen & Keyboard

Computer screens commonly have dimensions ranging from approximately 50 to 70 cm / 12"-47.5" in width and 10 to 20 cm / 8.7"-9" in depth.

 

Key points for professional planning advice for clients:

1. Don't just draw the furniture outline; ensure that chairs are recessed, drawers open, and aisles are clear. Many drawings show furniture placement that looks good, but in reality, recessed chairs can cause obstruction.

2. (Reference area per person for open-plan offices, including workstations + aisles + partial storage)

Standard density: 70-85 sq.ft/person

High-density hot-desking: 60-70 sq.ft/person

Management positions (supervisors/managers' open workstations): 90-120 sq.ft/person

3. Common mistake with back-to-back workstations: Only calculating the depth of the two desks, ignoring the space for chairs to be recessed on both sides. There should be at least 78 inches between desk edges.

4. Avoid using 24-inch deep cabinets along the main aisle; prioritize 18-inch deep cabinets to avoid reducing passage width.

5. Accessibility: The main aisle should be at least 36 inches deep. Final drawings must be checked against local building and fire safety regulations.

 

The above are reference dimensions for open-plan office space planning. If you would like a professional and complete customized office space solution, please feel free to contact us M&W. We have extensive experience in the office space industry, a deep understanding of the various practical needs of modern office scenarios, and we consider space practicality, ergonomics, and compliance standards. We provide integrated professional services from planning to implementation, creating a high-quality office environment suitable for your company's business development.

 

Conclusion

These reference dimensions provide a practical starting point for open-office planning. Final layouts should also reflect local building, accessibility, and fire-safety requirements.

FAQ

Q1: What is a common width for an individual office desk?

A1: A typical planning range is 120–160 cm (47–63 in), depending on equipment, storage, and work requirements.

Q2: How much clearance is recommended for back-to-back workstations?

A2: Allow enough space for both users to move their chairs without interference; the article recommends 84–96 in where possible.

Q3: What should be included in aisle planning?

A3: Check occupied chairs, open drawers, cabinet depth, circulation routes, and applicable accessibility and fire-safety rules.

Q4: Are these dimensions mandatory standards?

A4: No. They are planning references and must be checked against the project, furniture specifications, and local regulations.

Q5: Can M&W support a complete workspace plan?

A5: M&W can support space planning, product selection, customization, production, delivery coordination, installation guidance, and after-sales communication.