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Understanding Resin Model Scales: Complete Chart & Guide

January 19, 2026 · CastForge Team

Complete Guide to Miniature Scales | Understanding Scale Models

The Complete Guide to Miniature Scales

Choose a resin model scale by project type

If you are comparing miniature scales before buying, use this chart with CastForge’s practical scale hubs: start with the resin model scale guide, then browse 1/35 scale resin kits for military and diorama projects, 28mm resin miniatures for tabletop-style figures, 1/24 scale kits and 1/16 scale kits for larger display projects, or 70mm and display resin figures when painting a single showcase model.

New to resin? Read the beginner starter kit guide before choosing tools, glue, primer, and your first unpainted resin model kit.

Understanding Every Scale from 1/6 to 1/700 and What It Means for Your Collection

Understanding Miniature Scales

When shopping for miniatures, whether tabletop gaming figures, model kits, or display pieces, scale is one of the most important specifications to understand. A miniature's scale determines its actual size, what it's compatible with, and what it's typically used for. This guide breaks down every common scale so you can make informed purchasing decisions.

Scale is expressed as a ratio comparing the miniature's size to real-world dimensions. For example, 1/28 scale means 1 unit on the miniature equals 28 units in real life. Understanding this simple concept unlocks the entire miniature hobby.

Pro Tip: When comparing miniatures, always check the scale first. A 28mm fantasy figure won't be compatible with a 1/48 scale military model, even if they look visually similar.

Common Miniature Scales

1/6Sixth Scale (1:6)

Human Figure Height:

Approximately 11-12 inches (28-30cm)

Best Used For:

High-end collectible action figures, premium display pieces, diorama centerpieces

Popular Products:

Hot Toys figures, Sideshow collectibles, custom articulated figures

💡 Game System Compatibility: Primarily display pieces; not designed for tabletop gaming compatibility.

1/12Tenth and Twelfth Scale (1:12)

Human Figure Height:

Approximately 5.5-6 inches (14-15cm)

Best Used For:

Display figures, detailed collectibles, dollhouse miniatures, premium hobby kits

Popular Products:

Bandai S.H. Figuarts, Figma, premium anime figures, doll clothing and accessories

💡 Game System Compatibility: Not compatible with standard tabletop gaming systems.

1/18Eighteenth Scale (1:18)

Human Figure Height:

Approximately 3.5-4 inches (9-10cm)

Best Used For:

Vehicle dioramas, action figure lines, smaller display collections

Popular Products:

1/18 die-cast vehicles, G.I. Joe Classified figures, outdoor diorama pieces

💡 Game System Compatibility: Compatible with 1/18 vehicle models; standalone figures.

28mm / 1/5628 Millimeters (1:56-1:60)

Human Figure Height:

Approximately 28-32mm (1.1-1.25 inches)

Best Used For:

Tabletop miniatures gaming, fantasy, sci-fi, historical wargaming

Popular Products:

Warhammer, Pathfinder, D&D miniatures, Necromunda, Kill Team

💡 Game System Compatibility: Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, D&D 5e, Pathfinder, Necromunda, Kill Team, Infinity, Malifaux
Note: The most popular scale for tabletop gaming. "28mm" is a common shorthand even though true scale varies by manufacturer (1/56 to 1/60).

1/35Thirty-Fifth Scale (1:35)

Human Figure Height:

Approximately 48-50mm (1.9-2 inches)

Best Used For:

Military vehicle models, detailed historical dioramas, figure collections

Popular Products:

Tamiya military models, Masterbox figures, Dragon tanks, historical diorama figures

💡 Game System Compatibility: Standard for scale modeling; compatible with 1/35 military model kits