Buying guide

How to Measure a Gas Lift for Your Chair – Buying Guide

Buying the wrong gas lift size is the most common mistake when replacing a chair cylinder. This guide shows you how to measure total length, stroke length and diameter in under 5 minutes — so you get the right replacement first time.

⏱️ 5 min 📊 Easy 🔧 Tape measure or ruler
How to measure a gaming chair gas lift dimensions
⚡ Quick answer
What size gas lift do I need for my chair?
Most gaming chairs use a standard Class 4 gas lift with a 50mm diameter cylinder. Measure the stroke length (height difference between lowest and highest position) — typically 100–130mm for gaming chairs. If in doubt, our Class 4 standard gas lift fits the large majority of gaming and office chairs on the market.

What is a gas lift and what measurements do you need?

A gas lift (also called a chair cylinder) is the part that allows your chair to adjust in height. It connects the chair base to the seat mechanism. When it fails, the chair typically sinks when you sit — see our guide on why gaming chairs sink for more detail.

To choose the right replacement you need three measurements: total length (how long the cylinder is when fully extended), stroke length (the height range it adjusts through), and outer diameter (the width of the cylinder). Most gaming chairs use standard sizing, but always verify before ordering. Browse our full gas lift range to compare specs.

💡 You can measure without removing the gas lift

If your gas lift still works: raise the chair to its highest position, then lower it to its lowest. Measure the difference in seat height from the floor. That is your stroke length — the most important measurement.

Already know your size?Jump straight to the shop and filter by class — Class 3, Class 4 or Heavy Duty.
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Step-by-step instructions

Step 01
Measure total length
With the gas lift fully extended (chair at its highest position), measure the cylinder from top to bottom. This is your total length. Standard gaming chair gas lifts are typically 250–320 mm extended.
Step 02
Measure stroke length
Raise the chair fully, then lower it to its lowest position. Measure the difference in seat height from the floor. This is your stroke length — typically 100–130 mm for standard gaming chairs.
Step 03
Check the outer diameter
Most gaming and office chairs use a standard 50mm outer diameter cylinder. Measure the width of your current gas lift to confirm. Budget and custom chairs occasionally use non-standard diameters.
Step 04
Identify the class
The class (3 or 4) is usually stamped on the side of the cylinder near the top. Class 4 is the most common for gaming chairs. Class 4 Heavy Duty has a higher load capacity, ideal for users over 90 kg or heavy daily use.
Step 05
Match to product specifications
Compare your measurements to our product specs. If in doubt, our Class 4 standard gas lift fits the large majority of gaming and office chairs on the market. Ready to replace it? Follow our step-by-step gas lift replacement guide.
Found your size?Our Class 4 standard fits the majority of gaming chairs. EU-shipped from €24.90.
See gas lifts in the shop →
💡 Standard sizing covers most chairs

If your chair is a mainstream brand — DXRacer, Secretlab, IKEA Markus, Noblechairs, etc. — there is a very high chance our Class 4 standard gas lift fits. Contact us if you are unsure and we will confirm compatibility.

Find your replacement gas lift

Class 3, Class 4 and Heavy Duty — standard sizes. EU-shipped from €19.90.

Browse Gas Lifts →