Anti-Collision / Collision Detection
A safety feature that reverses the motor if the desk encounters an obstacle during adjustment. Prevents damage to the desk, the obstacle, or injury to people. Standard on mid-range and premium desks; sometimes absent on budget options.
Anti-Fatigue Mat
A cushioned mat placed on the floor where you stand. The slight give reduces stress on feet, legs, and joints during prolonged standing. Essential accessory for comfortable standing desk use on hard floors.
Cable Management Tray
A basket or channel mounted under the desktop that holds cables, power strips, and small devices. Keeps cables organized and off the floor. Particularly important for standing desks since cables must accommodate height changes.
Cable Spine / Cable Chain
A flexible channel that runs from under the desk to the floor, containing cables while allowing them to move as the desk adjusts height. Prevents cables from hanging loose or catching on objects.
Crossbar
A horizontal support beam connecting the two legs of a standing desk frame. Adds stability and reduces wobble. Most quality frames include one; some budget frames omit it.
Desktop Converter / Sit-Stand Converter
A device that sits on top of an existing desk and provides height-adjustable platforms for keyboard and monitor. Adds standing capability without replacing your desk. Also called "stand-up desk converter" or "desk riser."
Dual Motor
A standing desk with separate motors in each leg. Generally faster, handles heavier loads, and more stable than single-motor designs. Typically found on mid-range to premium desks.
Frame
The structural base of a standing desk, including legs, motor(s), and adjustment mechanism. "Frame-only" purchases don't include a desktop; you supply your own. "Complete desk" includes both frame and desktop.
Grommet
A hole in the desktop, typically with a cover, designed for routing cables through the surface. Keeps cables accessible but out of sight from above.
Height Range
The span from minimum to maximum height the desk can reach. Typically expressed as "25" to 51"" or similar. Verify the range accommodates both your sitting and standing positions.
Keypad / Control Panel
The interface for controlling an electric standing desk, usually mounted under the front edge. Basic versions have up/down buttons; advanced versions include digital height displays and memory preset buttons.
Lifting Column
The telescoping leg sections that raise and lower the desk. Contains the motor mechanism (in electric desks) and determines the height range.
Memory Presets
Programmable height settings that can be saved and recalled with a single button press. Allows quick switching between saved positions (typically sitting, standing, and sometimes additional heights).
Monitor Arm
An articulating mount that holds a monitor, attaching to the desk via clamp or grommet. Frees up desktop space and allows flexible monitor positioning. Highly recommended for standing desk setups.
Pneumatic / Gas Lift
Height adjustment mechanism using compressed gas (like an office chair). Adjusts quickly via lever release, no electricity required. Often found on desktop converters and some standing desks.
Single Motor
A standing desk with one motor that drives both legs through a synchronized mechanism. Less expensive and often quieter than dual-motor designs, but typically slower and with lower weight capacity.
Sit-Stand Desk
Another name for a height-adjustable standing desk that can be used for both sitting and standing. Emphasizes the dual-use nature of the furniture.
T-Leg / C-Leg Design
Leg configuration where the support extends forward/backward rather than straight down. Often provides more under-desk legroom and a smaller floor footprint than traditional designs.
Travel Speed
How fast the desk moves during height adjustment, typically measured in inches per second. Ranges from about 1"/sec (budget) to 1.7"+/sec (premium). Affects convenience but not functionality.
Weight Capacity / Load Capacity
Maximum weight the desk can support during operation. Includes the desktop (if frame-only) plus all equipment. "Lifting capacity" refers to weight it can move; "static capacity" (usually higher) refers to weight it can hold when stationary.
Wobble
Side-to-side movement at standing height. Some wobble is normal and expected—it's physics, not a defect. Excessive wobble that interferes with work indicates poor construction or loose connections.
Related Resources
- Standing Desk Buying Guide — Understanding what specs matter
- Comparison Table — See these specs compared across desk types
- FAQ — Common questions answered