Model Scale Reference Chart
Model scales express the ratio between the model and the real object. A scale of 1:72 means 1 unit on the model equals 72 units in real life — so a real object 72 cm long would be 1 cm on the model. This chart covers all the commonly used scales across different modelling disciplines.
All Common Model Scales
| Scale | 1 m in real life = | 1 ft in real life = | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 1000 mm | 12″ | Full-size replicas, props |
| 1:6 | 167 mm | 2″ | Action figures (12″ / 30 cm figures) |
| 1:10 | 100 mm | 1.2″ | Large RC cars, motorcycle models, busts |
| 1:12 | 83 mm | 1″ | Dolls' houses, large motorcycle kits, die-cast cars |
| 1:16 | 62.5 mm | 0.75″ | Large tank models, RC trucks, farm machinery |
| 1:18 | 55.6 mm | 0.67″ | Die-cast cars, motorcycle display models |
| 1:24 | 41.7 mm | 0.5″ | Car kits (Tamiya, Revell), die-cast cars |
| 1:32 | 31.3 mm | 0.375″ | Slot cars, farm models, aircraft kits, 54mm figures |
| 1:35 | 28.6 mm | 0.34″ | Military vehicles and figures (most popular armour scale) |
| 1:43 | 23.3 mm | 0.28″ | Die-cast cars (O gauge compatible), rally models |
| 1:48 | 20.8 mm | 0.25″ | Aircraft kits (popular US scale), O gauge trains |
| 1:56 | 17.9 mm | 0.21″ | 28mm wargaming figures (Bolt Action, Warhammer) |
| 1:72 | 13.9 mm | 0.17″ | Aircraft kits (most popular aircraft scale), small tanks |
| 1:76 | 13.2 mm | 0.16″ | OO gauge railway accessories, Airfix tanks |
| 1:87 | 11.5 mm | 0.14″ | HO gauge railways (continental standard) |
| 1:100 | 10 mm | 0.12″ | Architectural models, small aircraft |
| 1:144 | 6.9 mm | 0.08″ | Small aircraft, spacecraft kits, Bandai Gundam |
| 1:160 | 6.25 mm | 0.075″ | N gauge railways |
| 1:200 | 5 mm | 0.06″ | Large aircraft, architectural models, ships |
| 1:350 | 2.86 mm | 0.034″ | Warships (popular naval scale) |
| 1:400 | 2.5 mm | 0.03″ | Airliners, large warships |
| 1:700 | 1.43 mm | 0.017″ | Waterline ship models, naval dioramas |
Scale Conversion Calculators
Use our free tools to convert real-world dimensions to model dimensions:
- Scale Calculator — convert between real and model dimensions at any scale
- Scale Speed Calculator — work out realistic speeds for model vehicles
Some scales are approximate (e.g. 1:76 OO gauge was originally designed to run on HO track). Wargaming "scales" often refer to figure height (e.g. 28 mm) rather than a strict ratio. Always check the specific product scale before purchasing accessories.