Placing a golf ball on a tee is not an arbitrary thing. In fact, professional golfers are acutely aware of their preferred tee height when driving to start a hole of play. Physics and geometry play a role in how effective tee shots can be in relation to the height of the tee, but to some degree the "right" tee height is a matter of personal preference.
Traditional Approach
The traditional rule, according to Golf365.com, is to tee the ball high enough on the ground so that when the driver head is set onto the ground, half of the golf ball sits above the crown of the club.
Effects of Equipment
Recent advancements in golf equipment have dramatically increased the size of some drivers. Oversized drivers now are commonly used by recreational golfers. The effect has been that golf balls tend to be teed up higher off the ground so that golfers can hit the ball in the same spot on the driver as usual.
Tee Height Comparison
A 2007 experiment by "Golf" magazine attempted to determine the best tee height by studying the average drives of golfers of various skill levels using different tee heights. It found that hitting a ball teed up high above the ground -- a ball teed completely above the driver's head when placed on the ground -- produced an average drive of roughly 12 yards longer than a ball hit off a low tee, in which the top of the ball was even with the top of the driver. This suggests that the high tee provides a better launch angle for the ball, improving its trajectory.
Considerations
With the size of today's drivers, you might find yourself teeing the ball higher up from the ground than before. Because of this, you might find yourself in need of newer tees. Consider buying extra-long tees to securely tee the ball up at a higher elevation. Additionally, while golfers tend to drive better from a higher tee placement, not everyone likes it. Professional golfer Jim Furyk, for example, finds that his performance worsens when he hits off a high tee. Experiment with different heights and go with the tee height that works best for you.
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