Miniature Scale Chart and Guide
Learn what 28mm, 32mm or 54mm miniatures mean, how to convert millimetres to scale, and which equivalents are used in model making and wargames.
Quick Miniature Scale Chart
Miniatures are usually measured in millimetres, but they can also be linked to approximate scales such as 1:56, 1:50 or 1:32. This table summarises the most common equivalents.
| Size | Approx. scale | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 15mm | approx. 1:100 | Historical wargames, large armies and mass battles |
| 20mm | approx. 1:76 / 1:72 | Historical wargames and compatibility with 1:72 vehicles |
| 25mm | approx. 1:64 | Classic fantasy miniatures and older games |
| 28mm | approx. 1:56 / 1:57 | Wargames, fantasy, historical and science fiction |
| 32mm | approx. 1:50 | Modern miniatures with more detail |
| 54mm | approx. 1:32 | Collectible figures and display painting |
| 75mm | approx. 1:24 | Large figures for advanced painting |
These equivalents are approximate, as some brands use heroic or stylised proportions, especially in fantasy and wargame miniatures.
Miniatures in Millimetres
The measurement in millimetres is used to indicate the approximate height of a human figure in miniature. It is usually measured up to eye level, not to the top of the head, helmets, weapons or decorative elements.
For example, when we talk about a 32mm miniature, this usually refers to the height from the feet to the eyes of a human figure. This makes it easier to compare miniatures from different brands in a more consistent way.
How to Convert Millimetres to Scale or Ratio
To convert a miniature measured in millimetres to an approximate scale, you can use a real human height of around 161 cm to eye level as a reference, which is 1610 mm.
The basic formula is:
Approximate scale = real height in mm / miniature height in mm
From millimetres to scale
If you have a 28mm miniature, you can divide 1610mm by 28mm. The result is approximately 57.5, which means that a 28mm miniature is roughly equivalent to 1:56 or 1:57 scale.
From scale to millimetres
If you want to calculate the height of a figure in 1:35 scale, you can divide 1610mm by 35. The result is approximately 46mm to eye level.
Example: Calculating the Size of a Non-Human Miniature
Imagine you want to calculate the approximate height of an elephant miniature that represents an elephant 3 metres tall, using a 32mm miniature scale as a reference.
If a person measuring 1.61 m to eye level is represented by a 32mm miniature, we can use a simple rule of three:
3 m × 32 mm / 1.61 m = 59.63 mm
This means that an elephant 3 metres tall would have a miniature height of approximately 59.63mm in the same scale.
This method helps keep proportions consistent between creatures, vehicles, figures and scenery elements within the same collection or diorama.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miniature Scales
What scale is a 28mm miniature?
A 28mm miniature is usually roughly equivalent to 1:56 or 1:57 scale, using a human height measured to eye level as a reference. The exact equivalent can vary depending on the brand and the style of the miniature.
What scale is a 32mm miniature?
A 32mm miniature is approximately equivalent to 1:50 scale, using a human height of around 161 cm to eye level as a reference.
What is the difference between 28mm and 32mm?
32mm miniatures are slightly larger than 28mm miniatures and usually allow for more detail on faces, armour, weapons and accessories. 28mm miniatures are very common in wargames, fantasy games and historical games.
Are 28mm miniatures equivalent to 1:56 scale?
Yes, many 28mm miniatures are considered roughly compatible with 1:56 scale. However, there can be differences between brands due to heroic proportions, poses or decorative elements.
How is a miniature measured in millimetres?
A miniature is usually measured from the feet to the eyes of the figure, without counting helmets, bases, raised weapons or decorative elements. This makes it easier to compare miniatures from different brands consistently.
Recommended Paints and Materials for Miniatures
Once you know the scale of your miniatures, you can complete your project with acrylic paints, primers, brushes, washes, varnishes and modelling tools.
Tips for Choosing a Miniature Scale
- If you want large armies or many units, smaller scales such as 15mm or 20mm are more practical.
- If you are looking for a balance between detail and size, 28mm and 32mm miniatures are the most common options.
- For display painting, larger figures such as 54mm or 75mm give you more surface area to work on highlights, shadows and details.
- If you are creating a diorama, try to keep figures, vehicles and scenery in compatible scales.
Conclusion
Understanding miniature scales will help you compare sizes, choose compatible figures and plan your painting, wargaming or diorama projects more effectively.
28mm and 32mm miniatures are very popular because they offer a good balance between detail and size, while smaller scales such as 15mm or 20mm are ideal for large armies and games with many units. For advanced painting, 54mm or 75mm figures provide more surface area to work on details and effects.