Comparison
Leap vs Amia
Steelcase vs Steelcase — full spec comparison
Bottom line
Leap is Steelcase’s most adjustable LiveBack icon; Amia is the versatile bestseller with LiveLumbar—usually less expensive refurbished while still rated to 400 lb.
Comparing 2 chairs across key specs.
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Leap
Era produced
2001–Present (V2 from 2008)
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$1,359
Avg refurbished
$550
Avg used
$320
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
49 cm
Seat depth
48 cm
Backrest height
64 cm
Seat material
Fabric + Foam
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
Factory
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height)
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism
Tilt / lock
Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock
Arm adjustability
Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs)
Brand
Steelcase
Model
Amia
Era produced
2008–Present
Discontinued
No
MSRP (new)
$980
Avg refurbished
$420
Avg used
$250
Height range
152–193 cm
Weight capacity
181 kg
Seat width
49 cm
Seat depth
47 cm
Backrest height
56 cm
Seat material
Fabric + Foam
Armrests
4D Articulating
Forward tilt
Yes
Lumbar
Height-Adjustable Pad
Headrest
None
Cylinder
Top-activated pneumatic (~16"–21" seat height typical)
Caster stem
11mm × 22mm standard
Frame
Polymer shell + steel mechanism
Tilt / lock
Manual recline adjustments with labeled controls
Arm adjustability
4D arms common on work-chair specs
| Spec | SteelcaseLeap | SteelcaseAmia |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Steelcase | Steelcase |
| Model | Leap | Amia |
| Era produced | 2001–Present (V2 from 2008) | 2008–Present |
| Discontinued | No | No |
| MSRP (new) | $1,359 | $980 |
| Avg refurbished | $550 | $420 |
| Avg used | $320 | $250 |
| Height range | 152–193 cm | 152–193 cm |
| Weight capacity | 181 kg | 181 kg |
| Seat width | 49 cm | 49 cm |
| Seat depth | 48 cm | 47 cm |
| Backrest height | 64 cm | 56 cm |
| Seat material | Fabric + Foam | Fabric + Foam |
| Armrests | 4D Articulating | 4D Articulating |
| Forward tilt | Yes | Yes |
| Lumbar | Height-Adjustable Pad | Height-Adjustable Pad |
| Headrest | Factory | None |
| Cylinder | Top-activated pneumatic (~15.5"–20.5" seat height) | Top-activated pneumatic (~16"–21" seat height typical) |
| Caster stem | 11mm × 22mm standard | 11mm × 22mm standard |
| Frame | Polymer outer shell + steel mechanism | Polymer shell + steel mechanism |
| Tilt / lock | Upper-back force + lower-back firmness; variable backstop / upright lock | Manual recline adjustments with labeled controls |
| Arm adjustability | Height, width, depth, and pivot (4D standard on many specs) | 4D arms common on work-chair specs |
| Buy |
FAQ
- Should I buy a Leap or an Amia?
- Buy Leap if you want maximum LiveBack fine-tuning. Buy Amia if you want a capable 400 lb Steelcase work chair that is usually cheaper refurbished and still has LiveLumbar plus a huge market.
- Are Leap and Amia both rated to 400 lb?
- Yes—both standard work chairs are 400 lb rated. Leap Plus is a wider, higher-capacity Leap-family variant, not Amia.
- Which has a better refurbished market?
- Both are deep, but Amia is often the volume bestseller and frequently the lower ask for a certified refurb.