The Herman Miller Aeron Size B and Size C chairs are dimensionally different versions of the same iconic office chair, made to fit different body types. Size B is the most popular option designed for the vast majority of users with an average height and build, while Size C provides a wider and deeper seat for taller or larger individuals.
Here’s everything you need to know about a Herman Miller Aeron's sizing to choose the right one for your body.
Herman Miller Aeron Chair - Size B
The Size B Aeron is the standard and most common version of the chair, built to ergonomically support the widest range of people. It’s considered the default size and is what you’ll most often find in office environments and showrooms. Its dimensions are tailored to provide a snug yet comfortable fit for individuals who don't require the extra space of a larger chair.
- What it is: The mid-sized version of the Herman Miller Aeron office chair, designed to fit the 5th to 95th percentile of adult body types.
- Official Fit Guidelines: Height: 5'2"–6'6", Weight: 130–325 lbs. (This is a wide range, B is typically ideal for those under 6'2" and within a proportionate weight).
- Price: Starts at ~$1,400. The price is the same across all sizes (A, B, and C) for new chairs.
- Key features: Pellicle 8Z mesh for zoned support and breathability, PostureFit SL for spinal support, fully adjustable arms, recline and tilt functions, and durable high-quality construction.
- Style: The iconic, transparent design that has defined ergonomic office chairs since the 90s, available in various modern finishes like Onyx, Mineral, and Graphite.
- Pros: A perfect ergonomic fit for the vast majority of users. Readily available. Provides a supportive, "cockpit-like" feel without being restrictive. Holds its value exceptionally well.
- Cons: A poor fit for very tall or heavy users who will find the seat pan too short or the frame too narrow. High initial investment cost.
The Aeron Size B is the go-to choice for individuals of an average build who want a proven, perfectly-proportioned ergonomic chair.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/aeron-chairs/
Herman Miller Aeron Chair - Size C
The Size C Aeron is the largest option in the lineup, designed to provide a comfortable and supportive experience for taller and broader individuals. It features a wider, deeper seat and a taller backrest to properly accommodate larger frames that would feel cramped in a Size B. The chair offers all the same ergonomic features as the other sizes, but scaled up.
- What it is: The largest-sized version of the Herman Miller Aeron office chair, engineered specifically for larger users.
- Official Fit Guidelines: Height: 5'3"–6'10", Weight: 180–350 lbs. It is specifically designed to provide more room and support.
- Price: Starts at ~$1,400. Like Size B, the initial price is the same as the other sizes.
- Key features: All standard Aeron features, including Zonal Pellicle mesh, PostureFit SL or adjustable lumbar support, and fully customizable tilt and arm settings. Larger dimensional footprint.
- Style: Identical in design and aesthetic to the Size B, just built on a larger scale. Available in the same range of color and material finishes.
- Pros: Offers an excellent ergonomic fit for tall and large users. Prevents leg and hip discomfort from a seat that's too small. Provides a more spacious and less restrictive feel. Durable enough to support higher weight capacities long-term.
- Cons: Can feel too large and unsupportive for average or petite users - the seat depth may be too long. Takes up more physical space in an office.
The Aeron Size C is essential for taller and larger individuals who require a more accommodating seat for proper ergonomic support throughout the workday.
Shop this product: hermanmiller.com/products/seating/office-chairs/aeron-chairs/
Aeron Size B vs. Size C Comparison
Sizing Chart & Fit
The most important distinction between the Aeron Size B and Size C is the fit. Choosing the wrong size negates the ergonomic benefits. Herman Miller provides an official chart, but the real-world application is key. The Size B fits the widest range of people and is the safe bet for those of average height and build (roughly 5'5" to 6'2"). Its seat pan and frame are designed to properly support the thighs and back without feeling too narrow or too wide.
The Size C is specifically for those who fall outside the upper range of the Size B. If you are over 6'2", have a broader frame or wider hips, or weigh over 230 lbs, the additional space in the Size C is crucial. Its wider seat prevents pressure on the hips and its deeper pan ensures your thighs are supported all the way to the knee - a key factor for taller users.
Dimensions & Scale
The numbers make the difference clear. The Size C chair is noticeably bigger than the B. The seat width for Size C is 21.875 inches compared to Size B’s 20.25 inches. While that may seem small, it's a significant difference for comfort over an eight-hour day. The seat depth of the C is also greater (18.5 inches vs. 17 inches for the B), which provides more thigh support for taller users.
Visually, the C has a larger presence in a room. For a small home office, the more compact footprint of a Size B might be a better fit, assuming it also fits your body correctly.
Comfort & Feel
Comfort in an Aeron chair is entirely dependent on getting the right size. Sitting in a Size B as an average-sized user feels like being perfectly supported in an ergonomic cockpit - the chair fits you. For a taller person, that same Size B chair would feel constricting, with the hard plastic rim of the seat frame potentially digging into their hips or thighs.
Conversely, for an average person sitting in a Size C, the experience can be just as uncomfortable. The seat pan may be too deep, causing its front edge to press against the back of their knees and impeding circulation. The armrests might also feel too far apart, even at their narrowest setting. The extra space intended for a larger person ends up feeling vast and unsupportive.
Price & Value
When buying a new Remastered Aeron chair directly from Herman Miller or an authorized retailer, there is no price difference between Sizes A, B, or C. All are offered at the same starting price. Therefore, the "value" discussion isn't about cost savings. The best value comes from choosing the size that correctly fits your body, as this ensures you receive the maximum long-term health and comfort benefits from your investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing your Aeron size is one of the most important furniture decisions you can make for your health, and it depends entirely on your body's measurements.
Choose the Aeron Size B if:
- You are between 5'5" and 6'2" with a proportionate weight and build.
- You prefer an ergonomic chair with a snug, supportive, and fitted feel.
- You find that most "one-size-fits-all" office chairs generally fit you well.
- You have sat in an Aeron at an office and felt comfortable (it was likely a Size B).
Choose the Aeron Size C if:
- You are over 6'2" tall.
- You have broader shoulders, wider hips, or a larger frame in general.
- You weigh more than 230 lbs, regardless of your height.
- You've sat in a Size B and found it too narrow or the seat pan too short.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Aeron B and C?
The only difference is size. The Aeron C is wider and deeper, with a taller back, to accommodate larger and taller individuals. The features, materials, and price are identical.
How do I know if I need a B or C size?
Refer to the Herman Miller guidelines. Generally, if you're under 6'2" and have an average build, the B is for you. If a chair feeling too narrow or your thighs hanging off the edge of the seat are common problems for you, you almost certainly need a C.
I'm 6 feet tall, should I get a B or C?
For someone who is 6'0", the Size B will likely be the better fit unless you have a particularly broad frame or prefer a very spacious seat. The best way to be certain is to find a showroom and test both in person.
Can a short person use a size C?
It's not advised. If you are under 5'10", a Size C seat will likely be too deep, meaning the front edge will cut into the back of your knees, which is a major ergonomic issue that can affect blood flow.
Do the B and C chairs have the same features?
Yes. Both sizes are available with the same customization options, including armrest type, back support (lumbar or PostureFit SL), tilt mechanisms, and casters for hard floors or carpet.
Is there a price difference between size B and C?
No. When purchasing a new Remastered Aeron chair, the price is the same for all three sizes (A, B, and C).
How can I find the size on an Aeron chair I already own?
You can identify the size by touch. Run your hand under the top edge of the backrest frame, right behind the Herman Miller logo. You will feel one dot for Size A, two dots for Size B, and three dots for Size C.
What happens if I pick the wrong size?
Choosing the wrong size undermines the chair's ergonomic benefits. A chair that's too small can create pressure points and feel restrictive, while a chair that's too large won't provide proper support, which can lead to poor posture and discomfort.
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