Armrest height is determined by measuring from the seat to the olecranon with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees. What adjustment is made to the measurement?

• A. Subtract 2 inches
• B. Add 2 inches
• C. Add 1 inch
• D. Subtract 1 inch

Answer: (B)

When sizing an armrest, you first measure from the seat surface up to the olecranon with the elbow at 90 degrees to capture the raw height of the resting forearm. You then add two inches to that distance to determine the armrest surface height. That extra height places the contact surface slightly above the olecranon so the forearm can rest comfortably on the armrest, keeping the elbow near a true 90-degree angle with the shoulder relaxed and providing stable support. If you didn’t add height, the armrest would be too low and the forearm would be unsupported; adding too little or too much would disrupt comfort and posture, so two inches is the practical adjustment.