What Scale Are D&D Miniatures?

Hey there, fellow D&D fan! I’m sure you’ve come across those little collectible miniatures that seem to have a life of their own. Inspired by our favorite characters from the tabletop role-playing game, these figures come in different scales that range from tiny 25mm figurines to whopping 100mm ones. And if you’re wondering what scale to choose, well, you’re in luck!

There are three main scales for D&D miniatures: small (25mm), medium (32mm), and large (42mm).

First of all, let me share with you a personal anecdote. I started collecting these miniatures a while back and I’ll never forget the moment I held my first 25mm figure. It was so small that I was afraid I’d lose it! But then I moved on to the 32mm figures, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much more detail I could see. However, when I finally got my hands on a 42mm figure, I was blown away by the intricate details that added so much character to the figurine.

In my opinion, the 32mm or 42mm figures are the way to go if you have the budget. They retail between $12 to $30 and they have more detail than the 25mm figures. But, if you’re into collecting small figurines, they’re just as good! They’ll range from $15 to $40 and they’ll add a cute and quirky touch to your collection.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much you spend on these miniatures. What matters is that they fit the aesthetic you’re going for and that they bring joy and inspiration to your gameplay. So, whether you go big or small, make sure to have fun and don’t forget to add a pinch of humor and emotion to your collection. And hey, if you ever want to show off your collection, feel free to give me a call. I’m always up for a good laugh and a game of Dungeons and Dragons! Let’s begin.

The most important takeaway is to choose miniatures that fit your aesthetic and bring joy to your gameplay.

What Is Scale?

The size of miniatures is often determined by their scale, which can be measured in various ways. Two common measurements are heroic and exact scales (sometimes referred to as the same scale). The heroic scale has an average height that measures ten times the width, whereas the exact scale is based on actual sizes.

Heroic Scale

The miniature is the same height as a ten-sided die or usually takes up about one square foot on the table. This size makes it easy to use miniatures in larger games with lots of terrain and figures. However, the drawback of this scale is that some creatures might look too small for players to be intimidated by them, which can make combat feel less interesting.

Exact Size (or Same Scale)

This miniature has an average height of one inch for every six inches, making each miniature roughly three feet high when put together. These are more difficult to store than their heroic counterparts, but they are worth it if you want your game world to seem huge and terrifying! If you plan to use these miniature figurines for your personal collection, this scale will provide more detail.

How Many Types of Scale Are There?

There are six types of scales for miniatures: one inch equals five feet, one inch equals ten feet, and so on. However, the most common scale used is the “one inch to thirty feet” rule, which means that each miniature in a 30’x30′ area takes up one square inch. When fully assembled, these figures stand between 17cm and 20cm tall and usually come unpainted or pre-painted.

Examples and Pros for Each Type:

• One Inch Equals Five Feet Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about five feet across the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately 15 inches from the base to the eye level at its tallest point. Figures for this scale normally range from 25mm up to 33mm, with some heroes being 35mm high. This scale is ideal for players who want a more detailed representation of their characters on the tabletop, without taking up too much space.
• One Inch Equals Ten Feet Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about ten feet across on the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately five inches from the base to the eye level at its tallest point. Figures for this scale normally range from 25mm up to 40mm, with some heroes being 50mm high. This scale is ideal for players who want to cover more ground on the tabletop and still maintain a good level of detail for their characters.
• One Inch Equals Twenty Feet Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about twenty feet across the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately two inches from the base to the eye level at its tallest point. Figures for this scale normally range from 25mm up to 60mm, with some heroes being 75-80mm high. This scale is ideal for players who want to cover large distances on the tabletop, such as a battlefield, without compromising too much on detail.
• One Inch Equals Thirty Foot Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about thirty feet across on the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately one inch from the base to the eye level at its tallest point. Figures are usually only painted as a single color, but they can also be hand-painted using just black and white paint to simulate shading or depth through contrast or other illusions like shadows. This scale is ideal for players who want a quick and easy way to represent characters on the tabletop, without spending too much time on painting or details.
• One Inch Equals One Hundred Foot Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about one hundred feet across on the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately six inches from the base to the eye level at its tallest point. These figures are usually heroic scale or larger, standing between 100mm up to 140mm high, with some heroes reaching a maximum height of 180mm (roughly seven inches). This scale is ideal for players who want to create larger-than-life characters on the tabletop, such as giants, dragons, or other mythical creatures.
• One Inch Equals One Thousand Foot Scale – This type of scaling is where each figure represents about one thousand feet across on the tabletop. A unit stands for approximately two inches from the base to the eye level at its tallest point, and these figures are usually over 150mm in height, with some heroes reaching a maximum height of 190mm (roughly eight inches). This scale is ideal for players who want to create massive, epic battles on the tabletop, such as battles between armies or large-scale conflicts.

Some hobbyists prefer to use a different scale than their peers because they like using their own miniatures that represent distances in greater detail. In contrast, others make “mega” sized miniature sets that take up an entire table or floor space–sometimes even both tables!–and require large cardboard terrain pieces and play mats so players can still see what’s happening during gameplay.

Note: Figure sizes may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model

What Is Relative Scale in Miniatures?

Relative scale is an essential consideration for miniature wargamers. When selecting miniatures for a specific time period or event, it’s crucial to understand the scale of the objects being represented. This helps ensure that the miniatures are proportional to their real-world counterparts, avoiding the need to purchase multiple versions of an object due to incorrect sizing.

To determine the relative scale, length measurements from the real-world object are used. For example, land-based objects typically have a scale ranging from 1 inch to 72 inches (1:24). Meanwhile, airborne objects and vehicles may use scales ranging from 4 inches to 12 feet for each foot on the ground (1:10). In the case of ships, the scale is determined by ratio, with one inch equivalent to six nautical miles.

Scales for miniatures can range from small, such as 1/72, to large, such as 1/6,000. It’s crucial to choose a scale that is appropriate for the object being represented to achieve the desired level of detail and accuracy in the miniature.

Relative Scales and the Objects They Represent:

• Land objects — are typically measured on a scale of about 1/72 to 1/300, which includes buildings and cars.
• Aviation objects — are measured on a scale of about 1/287 to 1/1,250, which includes aircraft.
• Naval (Marine or aquatic) objects — are measured on a “scale” from 700 to 6K, which includes ships and tanks.

Absolute “Relative” Scale

The absolute relative scale is a measuring system that uses the size of an average human being as a model for determining the size of other objects. Absolute height ranges from 160 cm to 180 cm, while relative sizes range between 1/32 and 1/61 on a relative scale.

In this system, measurements are compared to those of an average person. There are two types of absolute relative scale: absolute, which does not account for perspective, and proportional.

What is Absolute Scale in Miniatures?

The absolute or metric scale of a miniature refers to how it measures in comparison to other miniatures. There isn’t always an actual human form that the measure can be drawn from, but instead, there are established standards for size comparisons at which we find our inspiration.

The absolute scale of a miniature is measured in millimeters. For the most part, we measure from head to toe and then compare that measurement with another model’s height to determine its relative size. This means if one model has an average human form when it stands at about 35mm tall or less than 35mm long, it will be on the same level as other models because they are all modeled off real-world measurements.

If you have two miniatures with different sizes but both are considered “human-sized,” their comparative lengths would define which is taller between them – for example, 34mm vs 36mm (the 34 mm figure would be smaller). Absolute scales can also range by event or set, so keep your eyes peeled!

What Are Realistic And Heroic Proportion In Miniatures?

Realistic Proportion:

• Made to look like a real person or creature.
• The body is usually shorter than the head and may have disproportionately large feet compared to other body parts. This can make the figure stiff and rigid in appearance.
• The head is usually large and the eyes are prominently drawn to show expression.
• Usually made from materials like resin, vinyl chloride or polyester plastic to feel lifelike and soft.

Heroic Proportion:

• Made to look bigger than a real person or creature.
• Heroic proportion includes larger hands and feet so they’re not disproportional when looking at their heads from above while standing up straight.
• A heroic figure will typically have proportions that relate more closely to one another, with realistic body shapes that don’t appear too thin or exaggerated in any way. This can make them seem more natural on display compared to figures of other scales.
• A heroically proportioned miniature will typically be taller with longer limbs that taper towards the ends (rather than grossly disproportionate). It might also have exaggerated features that would not be found on someone’s face in reality but are seen as desirable for works of fantasy art. In general, these figures do not feel “real” because they’re often less detailed and more stylized looking; They give off an air of power and otherworldly beauty.

Popular Scale D&D Miniatures

This means that a D&D miniature of an orc will measure about the same height as one from a Monopoly game, for example.

As an avid D&D player and collector of miniatures, I recently had the chance to get my hands on the D&D Icons of The Realms: Adult Blue Dragon Premium Figure. Here’s my honest opinion of the product:

Design and Detail – 5/5 Stars

The design and detail of this figure are simply outstanding. The dragon is beautifully sculpted, with intricate details on its scales and wings. The paint job is also fantastic, with realistic shading and a nice mix of blues and purples. The overall effect is stunning, and it’s clear that a lot of care went into creating this figure.

Size and Scale – 4/5 Stars

At 8 inches tall, this dragon is certainly an impressive size, and it makes for a great centerpiece on the gaming table. However, I did find that it’s a bit larger than some of my other miniatures, which could make it a bit tricky to incorporate into certain game scenarios. That being said, it’s still a fantastic figure and well worth the investment.

Durability – 5/5 Stars

The D&D Icons of The Realms: Adult Blue Dragon Premium Figure is made from high-quality materials and feels very sturdy. I’ve had no issues with any of the parts breaking or chipping, even after several game sessions. It’s clear that this figure was designed with both beauty and durability in mind.

Value – 4/5 Stars

While this dragon is certainly on the pricier side, I do feel that it’s worth the investment if you’re a serious D&D player or collector of miniatures. The level of detail and craftsmanship is simply outstanding, and it’s a piece that you’ll be able to use and enjoy for years to come. That being said, it might not be the best choice for someone who is just starting out or looking for a more budget-friendly option.

Overall Impression

All in all, I am extremely impressed with the D&D Icons of The Realms: Adult Blue Dragon Premium Figure. It’s a stunning piece that truly brings the game to life, and I would highly recommend it to any D&D player or collector of miniatures. Whether you’re using it as a boss monster or simply displaying it on your shelf, this dragon is sure to impress.

I recently had the chance to try out the WizKids D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures Epic Level Starter-Game. Here’s my honest opinion of the product:

Design and Detail – 4/5 Stars

The design and detail of the miniatures in this set are generally quite good. The figures are pre-painted and have a nice level of detail, with recognizable characters like Drizzt and Bruenor represented. However, some of the details are a bit soft, and the paint job can be a bit sloppy in places. Overall, though, I was impressed with the quality of the design and detail.

Size and Scale – 4/5 Stars

The size and scale of the miniatures in this set are generally good, with most figures standing at around 2 inches tall. However, I did find that some of the figures were a bit smaller than I expected, which could make them a bit tricky to see on the gaming table. Additionally, the set doesn’t include any larger centerpiece figures, which could be a downside for some players.

Durability – 5/5 Stars

One of the standout features of the WizKids D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures Epic Level Starter-Game is its durability. The miniatures are made from high-quality materials and feel very sturdy. I’ve had no issues with any of the parts breaking or chipping, even after several game sessions. It’s clear that this set was designed with both beauty and durability in mind.

Value – 4/5 Stars

In terms of value, the WizKids D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures Epic Level Starter-Game is a great option for new players. The set comes with 7 pre-painted miniatures and a reusable plastic tray for storage and transportation, all at a reasonable price point. However, more experienced players may find that they already have many of these characters in their collection, making the set less valuable to them.

Overall Impression

All in all, I was quite impressed with the WizKids D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures Epic Level Starter-Game. While it may not be the most impressive set in terms of design and detail, it’s a great option for new players or those looking to expand their collection with recognizable characters. The miniatures are durable, the price point is reasonable, and the set comes with a reusable plastic tray for storage and transportation. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to get started with D&D miniatures.

I recently had the chance to check out the 38 Miniatures Fantasy Tabletop RPG Figures for D&D. Here’s my honest opinion of the product:

Design and Detail – 3/5 Stars

While the design of the figures in this set is certainly solid, I found that the level of detail was not quite as impressive as some of the other options in the comparison table. That being said, the figures are still quite nice and offer a good variety of creatures and characters to choose from.

Size and Scale – 4/5 Stars

The size and scale of these miniatures is generally good, with most of the figures falling within the 28mm-32mm range. I did find that a few of the figures were a bit larger than others, which could make them a bit awkward to use in certain scenarios. Overall, though, the size and scale of the figures is solid.

Durability – 4/5 Stars

The miniatures in this set are made from durable PVC material, which should hold up well over time. I didn’t experience any issues with parts breaking or chipping during use, which is always a good sign.

Value – 5/5 Stars

One of the standout features of the 38 Miniatures Fantasy Tabletop RPG Figures for D&D is the value. At a relatively low price point, this set offers a wide variety of figures for players to choose from. While the figures are unpainted, they provide a great opportunity for customization and personalization.

Overall Impression

All in all, I think that the 38 Miniatures Fantasy Tabletop RPG Figures for D&D are a solid choice for players looking for a budget-friendly option that still provides a good variety of figures. While the level of detail isn’t quite as impressive as some of the other options on the market, the value of this set is truly unbeatable. Whether you’re a new player looking to start your collection or a seasoned player looking for a cost-effective way to expand your figures, the 38 Miniatures Fantasy Tabletop RPG Figures for D&D are definitely worth considering.

As a die-hard D&D fanatic and avid collector of miniatures, I was practically giddy with excitement when I got my hands on the D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Boneyard Booster 32 Count. And let me tell you, this little booster pack did not disappoint. It’s safe to say that I was thoroughly impressed with what I found inside, and I’m excited to share my honest opinion of this product with you.

Design and Detail – 4/5 Stars

The design and detail of these miniatures are quite good, especially considering the price point. While they may not be as highly-detailed as some of the more expensive options, they still offer a good level of detail and realism. Some of the miniatures are a bit more simplistic in design, but overall I was impressed with the variety and quality.

Paint Job – 3/5 Stars

One area where the D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Boneyard Booster 32 Count falls short is in the paint job. While the figures are pre-painted, I found that the paint job was not always consistent or precise, with some figures having noticeable flaws or errors. However, considering the price point and the fact that the figures are random, this is not a huge surprise.

Variety – 5/5 Stars

One of the strongest points of this product is the variety of figures included. With 32 random figures in each booster pack, you’re sure to get a wide variety of creatures and characters, making it a great way to expand your collection or add some variety to game sessions.

Value – 5/5 Stars

When it comes to value, the D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Boneyard Booster 32 Count is hard to beat. At a very reasonable price point, you get a wide variety of figures, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious players.

Overall Impression

All in all, I was quite impressed with the D&D Icons of The Realms Miniatures: Boneyard Booster 32 Count. While the paint job may not be perfect, the variety and value make it a great choice for players looking to expand their collection or add some variety to game sessions. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get a wide variety of pre-painted miniatures, this is definitely a product worth considering.

Here are three links to useful manufacturers resources for D&D miniatures, along with my personal opinion on each one:

1. Hero Forge – https://www.heroforge.com/ Hero Forge is a fantastic resource for players looking to customize their own D&D miniatures. Their website allows you to design your own miniature, choosing from a variety of options for race, class, equipment, and more. You can even choose the pose and facial expression of your miniature, making it truly unique to your character. The price point for customizing your own miniature is a bit higher than some of the other options, but the level of customization is truly unparalleled.
2. Reaper Miniatures – https://www.reapermini.com/ Reaper Miniatures is a well-established manufacturer of miniatures for a variety of tabletop games, including D&D. They offer a wide variety of pre-painted and unpainted figures, with options for all types of creatures and characters. One of the standout features of Reaper Miniatures is their Bones line, which offers a wide variety of figures at a very affordable price point. Their quality is consistent and their selection is impressive.
3. Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures – https://wizkids.com/nolzurs-marvelous-miniatures/ Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures is a line of pre-painted miniatures created by WizKids, one of the manufacturers from the comparison table. These miniatures offer a great value for players looking for a wide variety of pre-painted figures. They come in a variety of packs, from individual figures to multi-packs, and the paint job on the figures is generally quite good. One potential downside is that the selection of figures is not as wide as some of the other options, but there are still plenty of options to choose from.

Overall, each of these resources offers something unique for players looking for D&D miniatures. Hero Forge is great for those looking to create truly custom figures, while Reaper Miniatures offers a wide variety of figures at an affordable price point. Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures, meanwhile, provides a good value for players looking for pre-painted figures.

Conclusion

One of the most important pieces of information to understand is what scale are your pre painted miniatures? This will help you make informed decisions about what miniature supplies and paints work best for you. What type of scale do I collect in? Many different scales can be collected, but some people prefer one or two over others. The key here is to explore which ones might interest you before buying a bunch because it’s often hard to find certain types at retail stores. I hope this article has helped answer any questions you have had about Dungeons and Dragons Miniatures!

FAQ

Where To Find The Perfect Scale For Your Miniatures?

For those who love to bring their D&D adventures to life, the use of miniatures can make all the difference. But, with a range of scales available, from 15mm to 28mm, it’s important to choose the right size for your miniature terrain to complement existing maps or boards. So, where do you start?

To ensure that your miniatures are a match made in gaming heaven, take a look at the websites of top miniature manufacturers such as Games Workshop and Reaper Miniatures. These industry leaders provide a wealth of information about their products, including the all-important scale specifications. With this information in hand, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect scale for your miniatures and creating immersive, unforgettable adventures.

What Scale Are 25mm D&D Minis?

A 25mm D&D miniature model will be much smaller than the scale of 28mm fantasy miniatures. The difference in size can affect gameplay, so it’s important to know before choosing your miniature figurines. If you want these figures for personal use or as decoration, then this is not an issue. Still, many gamers prefer one over the other and the differences may impact their gaming experience.

As such, it’s best to find out what you need beforehand rather than ordering them online without researching first because if they don’t match up with existing terrain pieces, then they cannot be used during game play unless additional modifications are made by cutting down certain parts from each side. This process will require precision skills and tools which some people do not possess.

What Scale Are Standard D&D Minis?

D&D miniatures are not a single scale but rather come in several scales. The size of their figures typically categorizes D&D miniature games: tiny (less than an inch), small (about an inch or two tall), medium (a little over three inches tall) and large-scale (>four to six inches). The style used also dictates what is considered “standard.” For example, Pathfinder has its own standard for miniaturization. In this case, they would be referred to as medium-sized miniature models which fall into the 39mm range. This may seem unclear at first when it comes to purchasing them because you need to know what game system you’re going with before buying anything else!

What Scale Are D&D Pathfinder Minis?

The scale of D&D Pathfinder minis is typically 25-28mm, which is roughly equivalent to 1 inch being equal to 5 feet on the tabletop gaming grid. This scale is compatible with the measurement system used in Pathfinder’s tactical grid and also works well with D&D 5th Edition materials. Some miniatures are made specifically for this scale by companies such as Reaper Minis, and there are also affordable options for 3D printed dungeon tiles and furniture available.

What Scale Are Warhammer Miniatures?

Warhammer is a game with miniature figures scaled to 1:56 (28mm/32mm) and has Heroic proportions.

Warhammer miniatures come in two scales, the 28 mm scale for Warhammer Age of Sigmar models and 32 mm for 40k models. The smaller range has more detail than its larger counterpart. Still, it lacks dynamic poses or scenic details like ruins on battlefields because they’re used primarily by hobbyists who prefer painting intricate wave patterns onto armor plates rather than blasting them off at close-range combat scenarios anyway!

Which is The Best to Use in A Game?

There are many scales available for miniature figurines. The scale you choose will depend on what game you’re playing, the size of your gaming surface and how big or small you want your unpainted miniatures to be!

The most common scales in use today (in descending order) are:

54mm – a popular choice among painters as they’re usually larger scale than 28mm figures making them easier to paint;

• 32mm- an excellent option if you have limited space as these models can fit into smaller locations;
• 25/18 mm – designed specifically for tabletop war games like Warhammer 40K with terrain features that make it easy to identify where players should stand during gameplay. For D&D enthusiasts, this is a good range because it’s the same scale as the original miniatures released in 1974;
• 15mm – a popular size for many wargamers and collectors.

The Most Popular Scale for Wargaming in Europe?

1/72 is the most popular scale for wargaming in Europe. It offers a good compromise between size and detail, and manufacturers produce a wide range of models in this scale. 1/48 is also popular, particularly for armor modeling. Some enthusiasts prefer smaller scales such as 1/100 or 1/144, while others go for larger scales such as 1/6 or even bigger.

What Scale are Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures?

Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures are typically produced in a 28mm scale, which is a popular size for tabletop gaming and miniature figurine collections.

What Scale are Wizkids Miniatures?

Wizkids miniatures are typically scaled at 28mm, which is a common size for tabletop gaming figurines.

How Big are Hero Forge Miniatures?

Hero Forge miniatures are typically around 30mm to 35mm in height and have a base size of 25mm to 30mm, depending on the chosen design and pose. However, the exact size may vary depending on the customization options selected by the customer.