Whether you're completing a kitchen or creating a home bar, it's important that the bar stools fit comfortably beneath the counter. Our bar stool height guide will help you choose the right size, including which measurements you'll need to take and some considerations to keep in mind. Keep reading to find the best bar stool height for your home.

Tip!

Not sure which type of bar stool to pick? Check out our guides What Are the Best Types of Barstools? and Types of Bar Stool Materials to learn more about different bar stool designs.

Take Measurements

When choosing the right bar stool height for your kitchen, we recommend measuring the space first. Measure the area below the bar or counter and then record the height, width, and depth of the space so you can refer back to the measurements while shopping. Make sure to leave at least 10" to 12" between the top of the stool and the bottom of the counter. This will help you find bar stools that fit neatly beneath the counter while having enough space to sit comfortably.

Tip!

If you choose a bar stool design with arms, don't forget to add the height of the arms into your calculations so that you can still slide the stools beneath the counter.

Bar Stool Height

There are four standard bar stool heights to pair with popular table heights. Whether you're picking bar stools for a kitchen table or a home bar, we've outlined these standard heights below to help you choose the right one.

Short

Short bar stools typically measure between 16" and 23" to fit beneath a counter that is 28" to 33" tall. These stools are best suited for a kitchen table, a desk, or a vanity.

Counter Height

Counter-height bar stools are 24" to 27" tall and pair with a counter that is 35" to 39" tall. This height is ideal for kitchen islands or counters.

Bar Height

These bar stools are 28" to 33" tall, and fit beneath a bar that is 41" to 43" tall. Bar-height bar stools are a great addition to complete your home bar or to place around a bar table.

Extra-Tall Bar Height

Even taller than bar-height bar stools, these extra-tall bar stools measure 34" to 40" tall to go with a bar that is 44" to 47" tall. Though these bar stools are less common, they are best for extra-tall bar tables or bars.

Adjustable Height

If you're looking for added versatility, opt for adjustable-height bar stools. These stools feature a durable hydraulic pump that moves the seat up or down for a comfortable height. Because you can easily adjust the height, these stools can be moved from one spot to another for extra seating.

Tip!

Read our guide Bar Stool Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Ones to find more information about bar stool sizes, including tips on picking the right placement and choosing helpful features.