How scale ratios work
A scale such as 1/72 (also written 1:72) means every length on the model is 1/72 of the same length on the real aircraft. The number after the slash is how many times smaller the model is, so a bigger number means a smaller model.
Scale describes a ratio, not a fixed size. A 1/48 light trainer and a 1/48 bomber are both accurate to the same ratio, but the bomber will be far larger on the shelf because the real aircraft is far larger.
Quick answers
- Which is bigger, 1/72 or 1/48? 1/48 is bigger. A model at 1/48 is 1.5 times the length of the same aircraft at 1/72.
- Which is bigger, 1:200 or 1:400? 1:200 is bigger. It is twice the size of the same aircraft at 1:400.
- How big is a 1/32 airplane model? It depends on the aircraft. Divide the real dimension by 32. A fighter with a wingspan of about 11 m comes out at roughly 35 cm across the wings.
Size chart
The figures below are rounded and calculated from approximate real dimensions: a Spitfire Mk I wingspan of about 11.2 m, and a Boeing 747-400 length of about 70.7 m. Use them as a guide, since individual kits differ slightly.
| Scale | Spitfire wingspan (approx.) | 747-400 length (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/24 | 47 cm | 2.9 m | Very large kits, mostly fighters |
| 1/32 | 35 cm | 2.2 m | Large detailed kits |
| 1/48 | 23 cm | 1.5 m | Detailed kits, common for fighters |
| 1/72 | 16 cm | 98 cm | Very popular kit scale, wide subject range |
| 1/144 | 8 cm | 49 cm | Airliners and compact collections |
| 1:200 | 6 cm | 35 cm | Diecast and snap-together airliners |
| 1:400 | 3 cm | 18 cm | Compact diecast airliners |
Not every subject is offered in every scale. Large airliners are rarely made in 1/24, and fighters are less common in 1:400.
Common scales and who they suit
1/24 and 1/32
These are large scales with room for detailed cockpits, engines and panel work. They need display space and a larger workbench, and kits cost more. Many modelers choose them for a single showpiece subject.
1/48
A popular middle ground. The models are large enough to show fine detail and to make painting and weathering easier, while a small collection still fits on a shelf.
1/72
Widely regarded as one of the most popular kit scales, with a very broad range of subjects, from biplanes to bombers. It is a sensible choice if you want variety and limited space, and a smaller scale lets you fit more of a scene on a base, as in a WW2 airfield diorama.
1/144
Often used for airliners and large aircraft, because a big jet at this scale is still manageable. Detail is modest, but the subjects are interesting.
1:200 and 1:400
These ratios are most associated with diecast and snap-together airliner models and airport-style collections. At 1:400 even a large jet is a few tens of centimetres long, which suits collectors who want many airlines on one shelf.
How to calculate any model’s size
Divide the real aircraft’s dimension by the scale number, then convert units:
- Find the real length or wingspan (manufacturer data or a reference book).
- Divide by the scale number. A 70.7 m aircraft at 1:400 gives 70.7 / 400 = 0.177 m, or about 17.7 cm.
If you are measuring a kit before buying, check the box or listing for the finished length and wingspan, as these are usually printed there.
Choosing a scale
- Space: Measure your shelf or case first. Wingspan matters as much as length.
- Detail and skill: Larger scales are easier to paint and show detail, but also expose mistakes.
- Budget and storage: Larger kits cost more and take more room.
- Consistency: Many collectors stick to one scale so models look right side by side.
- Subject availability: Check which scale offers the aircraft you want before committing.
If you are also building flying models, covering and finishing are separate skills; our model airplane covering guide covers that side.
FAQ
What are the different sizes of aircraft scale models?
Common ratios include 1/24, 1/32, 1/48, 1/72, 1/144, 1:200 and 1:400. Others, such as 1/100 or 1/125, appear for some brands and subjects.
Is the same scale always the same physical size?
No. The ratio is constant, but the real aircraft differ in size, so the models do too.