Figurine scale refers to how tall a model is measured from the bottom of its feet to its eyes, and the four most common sizes are 28mm and 32mm (built for tabletop gaming) and 54mm and 75mm (built for display and painting). As a rule of thumb: smaller scales fit on a game board with dozens of other miniatures, while larger scales reward detail, paint work and a spot on your shelf. At 3DCentral, our Laval, Quebec print farm produces collectibles across this full range, on demand, so you can match the scale to how you actually intend to use the piece.
Picking the right scale before you buy saves you from the two most common regrets: a hero model that looks lost in a display cabinet, or a beautiful sculpt too large to ever fit on a crowded battle mat. Below we unpack what each measurement really means, where each excels, and how to choose with confidence.
How figurine scale is actually measured
The “mm” figure is a height reference, not a precise ruler of the whole model. Most miniature sculptors use the “to the eyes” convention, meaning a 32mm figure stands roughly 32mm from the soles of its feet to its eye line. A model on a raised base, in a dynamic leaping pose, or wearing a tall helmet can therefore have a total physical height well above its stated scale. This is why two figures labelled the same size can still look slightly different side by side.
Scale also describes proportion relative to a real human. A 54mm figure represents a person at roughly 1:32 scale, while 75mm sits closer to 1:24. The larger the number, the more surface area a sculpt has, and the more fine detail, like fabric folds, scales, fur texture or facial expression, survives the printing process.
28mm vs 32mm: the tabletop gaming scales
If you play miniature wargames, skirmish games or fantasy role-playing campaigns, you live in the 28mm to 32mm world. These scales are designed to be moved around a board, grouped into units, and produced in volume without dominating the table. They are also the heart of tabletop miniature gaming and shelf-display armies, so getting the size right here matters more than anywhere else in the hobby.
28mm: the classic standard
28mm has been the long-running default for tabletop fantasy and sci-fi gaming. It keeps armies compact, fits standard movement trays, and is the size most terrain and accessories are built around. A 28mm figure stands a little over an inch tall — roughly the width of a Canadian toonie laid flat (a toonie measures about 28mm across), so the coin’s diameter, not a stack of coins, is the handy reference. It captures enough detail to read clearly at arm’s length on a game board, while still printing efficiently when you need a whole warband.
32mm: the slightly bigger “heroic” cousin
32mm has become increasingly popular because the extra few millimetres give sculptors room for “heroic” proportions, chunkier weapons, hands and heads that read better during play and are easier to paint. The two scales mix reasonably well on the same table, though a 32mm figure will look noticeably more imposing standing beside a 28mm one. For most modern gamers, 32mm is the sweet spot between playability and paintability.
Quick guide: choose 28mm or 32mm if the figure will be handled, moved and seen as part of a group during play. The lower the height, the more models you can field and store.
54mm vs 75mm: the display and painting scales
When a figure is meant to be admired rather than played with, bigger is better. 54mm and 75mm are the territory of display collectors, competitive painters and anyone who wants a single statement piece.
54mm: the collector’s crossover
54mm roughly doubles the visual presence of a tabletop model and is a long-standing standard for collectible and military-style figures. It is large enough to show real detail, fine straps, rivets, facial features, yet still compact enough to group several on a shelf or in a cabinet. For many collectors, 54mm is the entry point into display-grade pieces.
75mm: the showcase scale
75mm is built to be the centrepiece. At this size, surface texture, dramatic posing and intricate sculpt work become the whole point. Competitive and hobby painters favour 75mm because there is genuine room to blend colours and add freehand detail. A single 75mm figure commands attention on a desk or display stand in a way no tabletop model can. It is the scale you choose when the figurine itself is the collectible.
Side-by-side: which scale fits your goal
| Scale | Primary use | Best for | Detail level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28mm | Tabletop gaming | Large armies, classic game systems, compact storage | Good at arm’s length |
| 32mm | Tabletop gaming | Heroic-proportion units, easier painting, modern systems | Very good |
| 54mm | Display / collecting | Cabinet pieces, collectible figures, crossover painters | High |
| 75mm | Display / painting | Statement centrepieces, competitive painting, gifts | Showcase |
How to choose your scale at 3DCentral
Start with one question: will the figure be played with or displayed? Gaming pushes you toward 28mm or 32mm; display pushes you toward 54mm or 75mm. From there, consider three practical factors.
- Compatibility: if you already own miniatures, match their scale so new pieces fit alongside them on the board.
- Display space: measure your shelf or cabinet depth before committing to 75mm, larger figures need more room and often a base or stand.
- Painting ambition: the bigger the scale, the more rewarding it is to paint by hand. If you want to practise blending and detail work, size up.
Every collectible we produce is printed to order on our industrial farm in Laval, so you are choosing a freshly made piece rather than something pulled from a dusty shelf. Browse the full range in our collectibles shop and check the listed dimensions on each product so you know exactly what is arriving. Our catalogue is a curated mix of original 3DCentral designs alongside models from talented community artists such as Cinderwing3D, Flexi Factory and Twisty Prints, printed with their permission.
Want a figurine that is uniquely yours rather than a fixed scale from the catalogue? Our custom photo-to-figurine service turns a photo into a one-of-a-kind sculpt using an AI generator plus hands-on human finishing, sized to suit display. And if you simply love being surprised, our monthly Mystery Box delivers a curated rotation of collectibles to your door. Shipping is free on Canadian orders over $149 CAD, with US and international rates calculated at checkout, all shipped from Laval.
Materials matter for the finished look too. We currently print in PLA across 10+ colours, with outdoor-safe PETG coming soon for pieces destined for a porch or garden display. Whatever scale you land on, the right size is the one that matches how you plan to enjoy it.
FAQ
What is the most popular figurine scale for tabletop gaming?
28mm has long been the default standard, but 32mm has grown popular for its slightly larger “heroic” proportions that are easier to paint and read clearly during play. Both are common, and they mix reasonably well on the same table.
Is 28mm or 32mm bigger?
32mm is bigger. The measurement refers to the model’s height to its eye line, so a 32mm figure stands a few millimetres taller than a 28mm one and generally appears chunkier and more imposing beside it.
How tall is a 28mm miniature in everyday terms?
A little over an inch. The “to the eyes” measurement puts a 28mm figure at roughly the same dimension as the width of a Canadian toonie laid flat — the coin is about 28mm across — so the diameter of one toonie, not a stack of them, is the easy mental picture.
Which scale is best for display rather than gaming?
54mm and 75mm are the display and painting scales. 54mm is a great collector crossover that still groups well on a shelf, while 75mm is a showcase scale built to be a single statement centrepiece with room for fine detail and hand painting.
Can I get a custom figurine instead of a fixed scale?
Yes. Our custom photo-to-figurine service creates a one-of-a-kind sculpt from your photo using an AI generator plus human finishing, sized for display. You can start a custom piece at our custom service page.
Do you ship figurines across Canada and beyond?
We ship from our Laval, Quebec farm across Canada, the US and internationally. Canadian orders over $149 CAD ship free, with US and international rates calculated at checkout. There are no domestic customs charges within Canada.
