For a 36 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of around 24-26 inches.
Counter Height
Countertops range from 36 to 39 inches high, so you'll need a counter stool that ranges from 24 to 26 inches tall.
What is counter height dining? Counter height tables sit at around 34 to 36 inches and should be used with stools or chairs that sit around 24 to 26 inches.
Standard stools are typically around 18 inches from the floor to the seat and are best suited for tables with a height of 28 to 30 inches. Counter-height stools have a seat height of approximately 24 to 26 inches and are ideal for kitchen counters and tables that measure between 34 and 36 inches in height.
Poop size. A normal stool size is at least a couple inches in length, and ideally between four and eight inches. Tiny poops aren't good. You shouldn't be pooping out pellets – not unless you're a bunny, deer or other wild animal.
For starters, make sure you design your island with enough space underneath the counter for your knees. Generally speaking, a countertop overhang of 12-18” is a good place to start. It's worth noting that 12” likely won't allow your bar stools to tuck in all the way.
Tip: allow at least 12”-18” inches of knee space between the stool's edge and the bar or counter. Since most people need at least 2 feet of personal space from other people when eating, 24” inches of space per bar stool should be allocated to ensure a comfortable dining setting.
Bar height stools generally have seat heights that are around 28 inches high (28 to 32 inches as a rule) in order to fit under table tops with a height of 40 to 42 inches. Counter stools have a seat height of 24 to 27 inches high for table surfaces that are 36 inches high.
Counter-height bar stools are taller than chairs and typically measure 23 to 28 inches from the ground. These stools are best suited for 33 to 38 inch-high countertops. The average height of kitchen countertops is between 33-38 inches to coordinate with the standard height of kitchen appliances.
A compact 36" square table can seat 4 comfortably and fit well in space that's only 6 feet by 6 feet. To accommodate 8 guests without squeezing, plan on a table that is at least 48" x 48" (though you can squeeze 8 at a 42" x 42" square table, if you don't mind a bit of elbow bumping).
You can seat four people at a table that is between 36" and 44" in diameter; four to six people will fit at a table that's 44" to 54" in diameter, and your table should be 54" in diameter or larger to fit six to eight diners.
Counter Height Dining
Counter height tables sit at around 34 to 36 inches and should be used with stools or chairs that sit around 24 to 26 inches.
Which size is right for you? The 7-inch toilet stool is considered standard and recommended for all new squatters, tall people, and users with conventionally sized toilets (14”-16”). The 9-inch stool is recommended for shorter people or those who consider themselves more limber or experienced squatters.
For a 36 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of around 24-26 inches.
Counter stools come in two main styles - with and without backrests. Backless stools have a simple, clean-lined look that fits seamlessly into contemporary kitchens. However, stools with backrests offer considerable ergonomic and comfort advantages that make them the better option for long-term satisfaction.
Choosing the Right Height
Stools that are the wrong size for their space aren't just uncomfortable; they look out of place too. Measure from the floor to the underside of the countertop where you plan to use the stools. The general rule is to subtract 10 in from that measurement to get the proper seat height.
Heights of counter stools are generally 24″-26″ inches from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 36″-39″ in height. Heights of bar stools are generally 28″-30″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 40″-42″ in height.
Do barstools and dining chairs have to match? No, they definitely don't have to match, and this is more of a personal preference than a rule.
The ideal stool seat height is 24 to 26 inches, leaving about 10 to 12 inches of space between the stool seat and the underside of the counter. This gap gives you and your guests optimal legroom to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.
Although a standard overhang is usually 1 to 1.5 inches, a 2-inch overhang can work as long as it aesthetically fits within your design.
Distance. Ensure there's enough clearance around the island to allow for comfortable movement and workflow. A minimum of 42 inches (106 cm) of space between the island and surrounding countertops or walls should be enough to accommodate traffic and appliance access.
General barstool spacing recommendations: Small Diameter (8-12 inches): Leave about 12 inches of space between the stools. Medium Diameter (13 – 16 inches): Leave 8-10 inches of space between the stools. Large Diameter (17+ inches): Leave at least 6 inches between the stools.