Higher than the elbow height of slightly over 5 percent of the population from a merchandising viewpoint, where customer convenience is of paramount importance, it would be unwise to exceed 39-40 inches as a counter height. In addition, the smaller sales clerk forced to tend such a counter for extended periods of time could be subjected to severe backaches and pains. Getting on and off a high stool for elderly and disabled people, or those of smaller body size, can be not only difficult, but hazardous. Figure 18 illustrates the clearances for a typical sales counter