is the height of a chair from the ground to the seat bottom or the ground to the top of the seat back?

Answer 1

In public service sectors, such as restaraunts, the height of a chair from the floor to the seat, is mandated. This is usually about 19". You will find other items measured similarly, i.e., toilet bases.
Many furniture stores though, will give you the "overall" dimensions on a piece of furniture, such as length, width, and total height... not seat height.

So -- which measurement you are looking at, really depends on the situation. I like to list my furniture with both measurements, the seat height, and the back height, so folks know what they can expect.

If you can provide a few more details, we might be able to help more.

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