Tabletop miniature scales & resizing – a simple guide

What does scale mean for tabletop miniatures?

  • Scaling describes the size ratio between a miniature and its real-life counterpart.
  • For a 1:56 scale figure: 1 mm on the miniature equals 56 mm (5.6 cm) in reality.
  • The smaller the second number in the scale ratio, the larger the figure appears.

Qumi standard scale

  • 32mm scale
  • Males are on average 1.80 m tall, females 1.60 m
  •  2-5mm on average difference in 32mm scale

What does "32 mm scale" mean?

 

In tabletop gaming, manufacturers often specify figure height in millimeters rather than a direct scale ratio (e.g., 1:56).

 

For a 32 mm scale, this typically means:

An average human (about 1.80 m / 5'11" tall)

Corresponds to a miniature 32 mm high

 

Measured from feet to eye level (not to the top of the head)

This eye-level measurement is standard across manufacturers for consistency.​

Some of our models reach up to 37.5 mm or a little more to the eyes. This equates to roughly a 1:48–1:50 scale (assuming 1.80 m real height).

 

Why do we measure up to eye level?

 

Measuring up to eye level ensures:

  • Consistent comparability across manufacturers
  • No distortion caused by helmets, horns, hair, or hats
  • Better scalability for modifications or custom builds

Why the larger sizes? Modern "scale creep"

 

  • Figures have grown larger over the years
  • Contemporary designs are more anatomically realistic and dynamic
  • Proportions (legs, torso, poses) appear more natural – and thus taller
  • 32 mm now primarily ensures system compatibility across games.

 

 

Difference 32mm & 75mm scale

32mm = 1:56 

75mm = 1:24

Human vs. Creature 

 

Creatures can be much taller than humans, even in the same 32mm scale

XXL scales

  • green and colorful knight are in 75mm scale
  • miniature next to the dice is 32mm scale
  • the tall miniatures is 1:6 scale which equals 30cm head to toe