Draw two outlines
Draw the stand's published base or overall footprint on paper, carefully noting which dimension the manufacturer actually specifies. Then draw the laptop's outside width and its open-lid depth. The combined arrangement can extend beyond the stand.
Include plugged-in connectors. A right-side charging or video cable can occupy the space you intended to use for the mouse. If you connect a hub, include the hub and the space required to insert or remove its cables.
Check height and storage separately
A fixed-height stand gives one arrangement; an adjustable stand has a range and potentially a changing footprint. Check the dimensions at the setting you intend to use, including whether the laptop remains within the support manufacturer's limits.
An opening under a stand can be useful storage. Measure its clear width and height before counting on it for a keyboard. Do not count stored-keyboard space as free working space if your keyboard must come back out whenever you type.
Test a permanent position
Place the paper outline beside your main monitor and use the desk normally. Check whether the laptop would obstruct the main screen, a lamp, or access to something you need every day. Avoid balancing the real laptop on an unstable improvised riser to simulate the arrangement.
If you pack the desk away regularly, think about where the stand goes afterward. A stand that suits a permanent office may be awkward on a dining table. Choose based on the entire routine, including setup and storage, rather than only a photograph of the finished desk.
Compare relevant options
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About this guide
Worked examples are illustrative calculations, not measurements from product testing. Follow the instructions for your exact equipment. Read our research and correction policy.