Model Scale Converter
Model size (in)
6.00
How it works
Scale models represent real objects at a fixed ratio. The Model Scale Converter converts between real-world dimensions and model dimensions at any scale, and calculates what scale a model is given real and model measurements.
**Common scale notation** Scale is written as 1:N — meaning 1 unit on the model equals N units on the real object. Common scales: 1:87 (HO gauge trains), 1:48 (O gauge), 1:160 (N gauge), 1:72 (aircraft kits), 1:35 (military armor), 1:24 and 1:18 (diecast cars), 1:12 (dollhouse). A 1:87 locomotive that is 5 inches long represents a real locomotive 5 x 87 = 435 inches (36.25 feet) long.
**Scale conversion formula** Model dimension = real dimension divided by scale factor. Real dimension = model dimension times scale factor. Unknown scale: scale factor = real dimension divided by model dimension.
**Scenic scale vs. figure scale** In wargaming, figures are often "heroic scale" — heads and hands are enlarged for visual detail at gaming distances. True-scale figures are noticeably slimmer and more realistic.
**3D printing scale** When scaling 3D prints, volume scales as the cube of the linear scale factor. A model scaled to 50% of original linear dimensions has only 12.5% of the original volume. Thin features may need redesign when scaling down — walls below 1mm may print poorly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Scale choice depends on space, budget, and desired detail level. N scale (1:160): smallest common scale, allows large layouts in small spaces (a transcontinental route in a spare bedroom), moderate detail, locomotives from $50+. HO scale (1:87): most popular worldwide, best selection of models and accessories, excellent detail, locomotives from $60+, requires more space than N but less than O. O scale (1:48 or 1:43.5): large, very detailed models, high cost ($200+ for quality locomotives), needs significant space. G scale (1:22.5): garden railways outdoors, weatherproof models available, high cost. For beginners: HO provides the best balance of selection, detail, and manageable size. For small apartments: N scale makes large layouts feasible.
- Different hobby communities developed their standards independently before international coordination existed. Military models use nominal fractions based on figure height or vehicle length: 1:35 for armor (derived from postwar kits), 1:72 for aircraft (rooted in US and UK standard from WWII recognition model programs), 1:48 for both (quarter scale). Dollhouses typically use 1:12 (one inch represents one foot) in North America and UK, 1:24 (half inch to one foot), or 1:6 for children's play houses. These developed from furniture crafting traditions where working in 'one inch to the foot' simplifies calculations. Model railways use their own set (HO, N, O) based on track gauge standardization. There is no global unified scale system across hobby categories.
- Measure a known dimension on the model (for example, the length of a vehicle) and find the actual real-world dimension. Scale factor = real dimension ÷ model dimension. Example: a tank model measures 5.7 inches (145mm) in length. The real Tiger I tank was 20 feet 8 inches (250 inches / 6,350mm) long. Scale factor = 6,350 ÷ 145 = 43.8 ≈ 1:44 (close to 1:35 with measurement error, or 1:48 if the measurement is slightly off). Cross-check with a second known dimension (width, height) — if the scale factor is consistent, you've found the correct scale. If it varies, the model may not be a standard scale, or your reference dimensions may be incorrect.
- Start by importing the model file at 100% scale and checking its dimensions in your slicer against known real-world dimensions. To scale to a specific ratio: if the model represents a 6-foot-tall person (72 inches) and you want 28mm scale, target height = 28mm (note: 28mm scale figures are 28mm to eye level, about 30mm to top of head). Scale factor = 30mm ÷ (72 inches × 25.4 mm/inch) = 30 ÷ 1,829 = 1.64% — meaning scale to 1.64% of original. More practically: scale the model to the target dimension in your slicer (set height to 30mm) and let the software calculate the percentage. Always print a test figure before printing an entire warband.