Diecast and model car scales are ratios. A 1/18 scale model is 1/18th the size of the real vehicle, so the bigger the number after the slash, the smaller the model. Use the chart below to see how big each scale really is.
Diecast Scale Size Chart
Sizes are for a typical 15-foot (180 inch / 457 cm) car. Longer cars, trucks and SUVs will be bigger; small sports cars will be smaller.
| Scale | Approx. length (inches) | Approx. length (cm) | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 15 in | 38 cm | 1/12 Diecast |
| 1/18 | 10 in | 25 cm | 1/18 Diecast |
| 1/24 | 7.5 in | 19 cm | 1/24 Diecast |
| 1/25 | 7.2 in | 18 cm | 1/25 Model Kits |
| 1/32 | 5.6 in | 14 cm | 1/32 Diecast |
| 1/43 | 4.2 in | 11 cm | 1/43 Diecast |
| 1/64 | 2.8 in | 7 cm | 1/64 Diecast |
| 1/87 (HO) | 2.1 in | 5 cm | 1/87 Diecast |
How to Work Out the Size of Any Scale
Divide the real vehicle's length by the scale number. A 180-inch car in 1/24 scale is 180 ÷ 24 = 7.5 inches long. The same works in centimeters.
How Big Is Each Scale?
How big is 1/18 scale?
About 10 inches (25 cm) long for a typical car. 1/18 is the largest common diecast scale and usually has the most detail, such as opening doors, hoods and trunks.
How big is 1/24 scale?
About 7.5 inches (19 cm) long. 1/24 is a popular middle size for diecast. Most plastic car kits are 1/24 or 1/25, which are close to the same size.
How big is 1/32 scale?
About 5.6 inches (14 cm) long. A good size for trucks and farm equipment, where 1/18 would take up too much shelf space.
How big is 1/43 scale?
About 4.2 inches (11 cm) long. A classic collector scale, popular for race cars and European models because a large collection fits on a small shelf.
How big is 1/64 scale?
About 2.8 inches (7 cm) long, roughly the size of a Hot Wheels or Matchbox car. 1/64 is the easiest scale to collect in quantity.
How big is 1/87 (HO) scale?
About 2.1 inches (5 cm) long. HO is the same scale as HO model railroads, so these vehicles are often used on train layouts.
Common Questions
Is 1/18 bigger than 1/24?
Yes. The smaller the number after the slash, the bigger the model. A 1/18 car is about a third longer than the same car in 1/24.
What does 1:24 scale mean?
1:24 and 1/24 mean the same thing: one inch on the model equals 24 inches on the real vehicle.
Which scale should I collect?
- Most detail: 1/18 or 1/12
- Balance of detail and space: 1/24 or 1/43
- Big collections, small space: 1/64
- Train layouts: 1/87 (HO)