Counter Stool vs Bar Stool: Which Height Do You Need?

November 13, 2026

The difference between a counter stool and a bar stool is seat height. A counter stool has a seat of about 60–66cm and suits a standard 90cm kitchen bench. A bar stool has a seat of about 73–80cm and suits a 100–110cm bar or high table. Most Australian kitchens have 90cm benches, so most homes need counter-height stools.

Bar stool height chart

Surface	Surface height	Seat height you need	What to buy
Dining table	72–76cm	43–48cm	Dining chair
Kitchen bench / island	88–92cm	60–66cm	Counter stool
Home bar / high table	100–110cm	73–80cm	Bar stool
Not sure / mixed heights	Any	Adjustable	Gas lift stool

The 25–30cm rule: measure from the floor to the underside of your benchtop, then subtract 25–30cm. That’s your ideal seat height.

How to measure your bench

Measure from the floor to the underside of the benchtop, not the top surface. Stone benchtops are often 20–40mm thick, which makes a real difference.
Subtract 25–30cm. For example, a bench with an underside at 88cm needs a seat at 58–63cm.
Check the product’s listed seat height, not its overall height. Stools with backs can be 90cm+ tall overall but still have a 65cm seat.

Counter stool vs bar stool: pros and cons

Counter-height stools (60–66cm seat)

Fit the standard Australian kitchen bench and most islands.
Easier for kids and older family members to get on and off.
Tuck neatly under the bench when not in use.

Bar-height stools (73–80cm seat)

Made for home bars, outdoor entertaining bars and high tables.
Too tall for a 90cm kitchen bench, where your knees will hit the benchtop.
A footrest matters more at this height, so look for a footrest ring or rail.

When an adjustable stool makes sense

Gas lift stools raise and lower with a lever under the seat. They’re a good choice if you:

aren’t sure of your bench height yet (for example, during a renovation),
want one set of stools to work at both the kitchen bench and a higher bar, or
have family members of very different heights.

Check that the stool’s height range (e.g. 58–80cm) covers your ideal seat height. Most gas lift stools also swivel, so allow a little extra space between seats.

Other things to check

Footrest height: at counter height, a footrest around 20–25cm below the seat is comfortable for most adults.
Back or backless: backs are more comfortable for meals and working at the bench. Backless stools tuck away fully. See bar stools with backs.
Spacing: allow about 60cm of bench per stool. Read how many bar stools fit my kitchen island?

Popular counter-height stools

Shop all Counter Height Bar Stools →

FAQs

What is the difference between a counter stool and a bar stool?

Seat height. Counter stools have a seat of about 60–66cm for 90cm kitchen benches. Bar stools have a seat of about 73–80cm for 100–110cm bars and high tables.

What height stool do I need for a 90cm kitchen bench?

A counter-height stool with a seat of about 60–66cm. Measure to the underside of the benchtop and subtract 25–30cm to confirm.

What height stool do I need for a 105cm bar?

A bar-height stool with a seat of about 75–80cm.

Can I use bar-height stools at a kitchen bench?

Not comfortably. At a 90cm bench a 75cm+ seat leaves too little knee room. Choose counter-height or an adjustable gas lift stool instead.

Is seat height the same as stool height?

No. Seat height is measured from the floor to the top of the seat. Overall height includes the backrest. Always compare seat height with your bench.

See the full bar stool buying guide & FAQ for more answers on sizing, materials and care.

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