Scale tells you how a model's size compares to the real thing. A 1:8 model is one-eighth of real size, a 1:24 model is one twenty-fourth, and a 1:144 model is one hundred forty-fourth. The smaller the second number, the bigger the model. Large building-set supercars are often around 1:8 to 1:10, while model kits and trains use much smaller scales.
What does scale mean on a building set?
Scale is written as a ratio, like 1:8 or 1/8. It means one unit on the model equals that many units on the real object. At 1:8, every 1 cm on the model represents 8 cm on the real car.
To work out roughly how big a model will be, divide the real object's size by the second number:
- A 4.5 m car at 1:8 is about 4.5 ÷ 8 = 0.56 m, or 56 cm long.
- The same car at 1:24 is about 4.5 ÷ 24 = 0.19 m, or 19 cm long.
So the lower the number after the colon, the larger and usually more detailed the model. If you're new to building sets, our beginner's guide to building block sets covers the other basics too.
What are the common scales for cars and vehicles?
Car models come in a wide range of scales. Here's roughly how long a typical 4.5 m car would be at each one.
| Scale | Approx. length of a 4.5 m car | Where you'll usually see it |
|---|---|---|
| 1:5 | 90 cm | Very large showpiece models, sometimes used for motorcycles |
| 1:8 | 56 cm | Large building-set supercars and technical cars |
| 1:10 | 45 cm | Large building-set cars and many RC cars |
| 1:12 | 37.5 cm | Detailed display cars and motorcycle models |
| 1:14 | 32 cm | Mid-size building-set cars and RC trucks |
| 1:18 | 25 cm | A popular scale for large die-cast collector cars |
| 1:24 | 19 cm | Plastic model kits and die-cast cars |
| 1:32 | 14 cm | Model kits and slot cars |
| 1:43 | 10.5 cm | A classic scale for die-cast collectors |
| 1:64 | 7 cm | Small pocket-size die-cast cars |
In our range, CaDA makes several large-scale cars, like the CaDA Lamborghini Centenario 1:8 and the CaDA Smiling Assassin Sprint 1:10. You can browse all our car building sets by brand and size.
What scales are used for model kits, aircraft, ships and trains?
Outside cars, each hobby tends to have its own standard scales.
| Scale | Example size | Where you'll usually see it |
|---|---|---|
| 1:60 | An 18 m robot becomes 30 cm tall | Large, highly detailed mecha model kits |
| 1:100 | An 18 m robot becomes 18 cm tall | Mid-size mecha model kits |
| 1:144 | An 18 m robot becomes 12.5 cm tall | Smaller, easier mecha model kits |
| 1:35 | A 7 m tank becomes 20 cm long | Military vehicle model kits |
| 1:48 | A 19 m jet becomes 40 cm long | Detailed aircraft model kits |
| 1:72 | A 19 m jet becomes 26 cm long | Aircraft model kits |
| 1:350 | A 250 m ship becomes 71 cm long | Large ship model kits |
| 1:700 | A 250 m ship becomes 36 cm long | Compact ship model kits |
| 1:87 (HO) | A 20 m railway carriage becomes 23 cm long | The most popular model railway scale |
| 1:160 (N) | A 20 m railway carriage becomes 12.5 cm long | Compact model railways |
Our SNAA mecha model kits, for example, come in 1:100 and 1:144 scales.
What about figure scales like 1:6 and 1:12?
Scale is also used for figures. A 1.75 m person at 1:6 becomes a figure about 29 cm tall, a size often called "12-inch" scale. At 1:12, the same person is about 15 cm tall, often called "6-inch" scale. Vehicles and accessories made to go with these figures are built to the same scale so everything looks right together.
What does 1:1 or "life-size" mean?
A 1:1 model is the same size as the real object. In building sets, you'll see this with life-size replicas of smaller items, like swords, props and gadgets. Mould King, for example, makes life-sized replica builds of fantasy swords.
Is the scale on a building set exact?
Usually it's close, but not exact. Building sets are made from parts that come in fixed sizes on an 8 mm grid, so curves and proportions have to be approximated. Designers often adjust proportions slightly so a model looks right, even if one measurement isn't perfectly to scale.
Some building sets don't state a scale at all. Brick-built cars are also often described by their width in studs instead. An "8-wide" car is 8 studs, or 64 mm, wide, which works out at roughly 1:28 for a typical 1.8 m wide car. When a set doesn't list a scale, the finished dimensions on the box are the best guide. Our guide on how to read a building set box shows where to find them.
How do you choose the right scale?
| If you want… | Look for |
|---|---|
| A big centerpiece with lots of detail | 1:8 or 1:10 building sets |
| A shelf full of cars that look consistent | One scale for the whole collection |
| Something compact for a desk | Smaller scales, or check the finished length |
| Detailed mecha or figure models | 1:100 or 1:144 model kits |
| A model railway | HO (1:87) or N (1:160) for layouts |
- Measure your space first. A 1:8 supercar can be well over half a meter long.
- Stick to one scale for a collection. Cars in the same scale look right side by side, which matters when you display them together. See our tips on how to display your builds like a pro.
- Remember that larger scales usually mean more pieces. Bigger models take longer to build and often include more mechanical detail.
- Know that motorized versions can differ. A large-scale car may come in static or motorized versions. Our guide to static, motorized and RC sets explains the difference.
If supercars are your thing, our picks of the best supercar building sets cover models at several sizes.
FAQs
What does 1:8 scale mean?
It means the model is one-eighth the size of the real thing. A 4.5 m car at 1:8 scale is about 56 cm long.
Which is bigger, 1:8 or 1:24?
1:8 is bigger. The smaller the number after the colon, the larger the model. A 1:8 model is three times the size of the same model at 1:24.
How do I calculate a model's size from its scale?
Divide the real object's size by the second number in the scale. For example, a 4.5 m car at 1:10 scale is 4.5 ÷ 10 = 0.45 m, or 45 cm.
What is the most popular scale for car building sets?
Large building-set supercars are commonly made at around 1:8 to 1:10, though many sets don't state a scale at all. Check the finished dimensions if you want to compare sizes.
What do 1/100 and 1/144 mean on model kits?
They're the same as 1:100 and 1:144. A 1/100 kit is larger and usually more detailed than a 1/144 kit of the same subject.
Are building set scales always accurate?
They're usually close, but not exact. Because sets are built from fixed-size parts, designers sometimes adjust proportions so the model looks right.
