Equations for defining the mismatch between students and school furniture: A systematic review

•Seventeen studies and 21 equations to test 6 furniture dimensions were identified.•Systematic errors have been found during the application of the different equations.•The interrelations between some equations are based on contradictory criteria.•The proposed methodology should allow for a more reliable analysis of school furniture.

The present study reviews the scientific literature that describes the criteria equations for defining the mismatch between students and school furniture. This mismatch may negatively affect students' performance and comfort. Seventeen studies met the criteria of this review and twenty-one equations to test six furniture dimensions were identified. There was substantial mismatch between the relative heights of chairs and tables. Some systematic errors have been found during the application of the different equations, such as the assumption that students are sitting on chairs with a proper seat height. Only one study considered the cumulative fit. Finally, some equations are based on contradictory criteria and need to develop and evaluate new equations for these cases.Relevance to industryUltimately, the present work is a contribution toward improving the evaluation of school furniture and could be used to design ergonomic-oriented classroom furniture.