Understanding Scale

This is probably the most confusing part when understanding models. Simply put, scale is the ratio of the real object to the model, annotated as 1:64 or 1/64. A model in scale 1:64 means that for every 64 inches on the model equals 1 inch on the real object.As the ratio goes down the size of the model goes up: a 1:64 model is larger than a 1:87 model.

Simple math can convert the sizes back and forth:

• To obtain a model dimension: Real object dimension and divide by scale
• To obtain the real object dimension: Model dimension multiplied by scale
• Example: A truck that is 300 inches (25 ft.) long would be 6 inches long in 1:50 scale. That is 300 / 50 = 6

Scale Comparison

The graphic below depicts the same model in different scales. There is an exception however, the 2nd model from the right is a different truck and is used to show the comparison of two different size trucks in the same scale.

Popular Scales

This table outlines some common scales and their uses.