A universal space saving flatbed scanner stand that has a scanner platform section and a counterweight platform section which are connected by a hinge that permits the two sections to be at approximately 180 degree angle or 90 degree angle with respect to each other. The flatbed scanner stand permits a desktop to be extended to allow space for a flatbed scanner. The flatbed scanner may be used when the flatbed scanner stand is in the fully extended (180 degree) position. Some scanners may be used when the flatbed scanner stand is in the folded-up (90 degree) position. Alternatively, when the flatbed scanner is not being used, the flatbed scanner stand may be in the folded-up (90 degree) position, in which the flatbed scanner takes-up the space of a sheetfeed scanner. A CPU box, monitor, printer or other sufficiently heavy object may be positioned on the counterweight platform in order to counter the weight of the flatbed scanner on the scanner platform section of the scanner stand. The scanner stand may also include a cabling hole for the scanner power cable and other cables to be threaded through.