What percentiles are used for designing school furniture?

Generally, the 5th percentile is used for reach and access (like seat height), while the 95th percentile is used for clearance (like knee room under a desk).

What is the primary application of this standard?

It is primarily used by furniture designers and architects to design ergonomically correct classroom chairs, desks, and laboratory tables.

Are the dimensions separated by gender?

Yes, the standard provides separate anthropometric data tables for boys and girls across the specified age groups.

IS 5391

: 1992

Anthropometric dimensions for school children age group 5-17 years

CurrentSpecializedGuidelinesBIMArchitectural · Furniture

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This standard provides anthropometric dimensions (body measurements) for Indian school children aged 5 to 17 years. The data is categorized by age groups, gender, and statistical percentiles to aid in the ergonomic design of school furniture and educational equipment.

Anthropometric dimensions for school children age group 5-17 years

Quick Reference Values

Target age group5 to 17 years

Statistical percentiles reported5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles

Primary determinant for seat heightPopliteal height

Primary determinant for seat depthButtock-popliteal length

Primary determinant for desk clearanceKnee height and thigh clearance

Practical Notes

Design seat heights based on the 5th percentile popliteal height to ensure smaller children in the age group can rest their feet flat on the floor.

Use 95th percentile dimensions for clearance requirements, such as desk height and knee room, to comfortably accommodate larger children.

BIM modelers and interior designers should use these dimensions to create accurate parametric families for school furniture.