Piano Stool Height Guide
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Set the piano stool so the forearms sit level with the keys, both feet rest flat on the floor, and the knees sit below the hips. If the bench adjusts, change the height until that position holds without reaching up or hunching. A bench that does not adjust suits a player only when its height gives that position.
Sit at the keys and check the forearms
The forearms should run level from elbow to wrist, with the elbows hanging at the sides and the wrists straight. If the forearms slope up toward the keys, the bench sits too low; if they slope down, it sits too high.
Adjust the bench in small steps
Change the height a little at a time, then sit and check the forearm position before changing it again. The Liquid Stands bench adjusts between 17.5 and 22 inches in 1 inch increments, while the CAHAYA bench adjusts from 16.3 to 19.6 inches in 3 levels. Stop at the height where the forearms sit level and the feet stay flat on the floor.
Check the feet, knees and bench width
Both feet should reach the floor flat, with the knees below the hips and room to work the pedals. If the feet dangle, the bench sits too high for the player, and a footrest or a lower setting closes the gap. Check the bench width too: the AODSK bench seats two and measures 29.13 inches long, while the Donner bench seats one person.
Check stability and storage before buying
Press down on the bench corners and check that it does not rock on the floor. The Liquid Stands bench has rubber feet that turn to adjust for uneven surfaces, and the CAHAYA bench has non-slip rubber end caps. The Donner bench and the AODSK bench both hold sheet music under the seat, and the AODSK compartment is 2.68 inches deep.
What you need
Liquid Stands Piano Bench Adjustable Stool
An adjustable bench with a padded seat that moves between 17.5 and 22 inches in 1 inch increments, with a stainless steel frame and rubber feet.
- Height adjustable
- Storage compartment
CAHAYA Keyboard Bench X-Style Height Adjustable 16.3-19.6in
An X-style bench that adjusts from 16.3 to 19.6 inches in 3 levels, with a padded cushion, a 370-pound capacity and a 6-pound weight.
- Height adjustable
- Storage compartment
- Weight capacity: 370 lb
- 6 lb, the lightest here
Donner Piano Bench with Storage
A solid wood bench with a flip-top storage compartment for sheet music, a 300-pound capacity and a seat height of 18.9 inches.
- Storage compartment
- Weight capacity: 300 lb
AODSK Wooden Duet Piano Bench with Padded
A wooden duet bench that seats two, measuring 29.13 by 12.99 by 18.11 inches, with a padded cushion and a storage compartment.
- Storage compartment
- Duet width
These come from our ranked list Best Piano Bench, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What height should a piano stool be?
There is no single height that suits every player. Set the stool so the forearms sit level with the keys and both feet rest flat on the floor, then use a bench that adjusts to hold that position.
How do I adjust a piano bench that has levels?
Work through the levels one at a time and check the forearm position after each change. The CAHAYA bench adjusts from 16.3 to 19.6 inches in 3 levels, and the Liquid Stands bench adjusts in 1 inch increments.
Can two people share one piano bench?
Yes, when the bench is wide enough for two. The AODSK bench seats two and measures 29.13 inches long, while the Donner bench suits one person, so check the seating capacity on the listing.
Ranked piano benches lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.