HEIGHTCOMPARE CLASSROOM
From real height to paper
Plan a scale drawing, check its size and save your working.
How to use ↓A 180 cm person becomes 15 cm tall at 1:12 scale. Divide the real height by 12, using the same unit for the calculation. A 168 cm person becomes 14 cm, while a 192 cm person becomes 16 cm.
The calculator above starts at 180 cm and 1:12. Enter another real height to plan a miniature figure or drawing. The result is a mathematical scale reference; it does not establish the exact dimensions of a particular commercial figure.
What does 1:12 scale mean?
One unit on the model represents twelve of the same units in real life. One centimetre on the miniature represents twelve centimetres at full size. Equivalently, one inch represents twelve inches, or one foot. Use one unit consistently before dividing.
The formula is model height = real height ÷ 12. To work backwards, multiply the model height by 12. A 14.5 cm figure therefore represents 174 cm when measured on the same basis: 14.5 × 12 = 174.
1:12 scale human height chart
| Real height | Model height at 1:12 | Model height in mm |
|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 12.5 cm | 125 mm |
| 160 cm | 13.333… cm | 133.333… mm |
| 168 cm | 14 cm | 140 mm |
| 170 cm | 14.1666… cm | 141.6666… mm |
| 180 cm | 15 cm | 150 mm |
| 192 cm | 16 cm | 160 mm |
Repeating decimals are shown with an ellipsis. Round to a practical marking precision for your drawing or material. Calculated extra digits do not mean you can cut or print to that accuracy.
Compare 1:6, 1:12 and 1:24
For the same 180 cm reference height:
| Scale | Calculation | Figure height |
|---|---|---|
| 1:6 | 180 ÷ 6 | 30 cm |
| 1:12 | 180 ÷ 12 | 15 cm |
| 1:24 | 180 ÷ 24 | 7.5 cm |
A larger denominator makes a smaller model. A 1:6 version is twice the height of a 1:12 version of the same person. A 1:24 version is half the height of the 1:12 version. This comparison concerns linear dimensions, not weight or volume.
Make a scale drawing or worksheet
- Choose Drawing size from real height.
- Enter the real height and select its unit.
- Enter 12 for the reduction scale and select Calculate size.
- Read the calculated size, then use Download worksheet PNG or Print worksheet to keep the working.
Mark the calculated measurement with a real ruler. A screenshot, screen preview or printed worksheet can be resized by the device or printer, so its displayed bars are not a calibrated ruler. Apply the same scale to all dimensions if you want to preserve proportions.
Frequently asked questions
Is every 1:12 figure exactly six inches tall?
No. Model height depends on the represented real height. A six-inch model corresponds to six feet at 1:12. Different reference heights produce different sizes.
Can I enter feet and inches?
Choose total inches to avoid decimal-feet confusion. For 5 ft 8 in, enter 68 inches; at 1:12 the calculated model height is 5.6666… inches.
Why does a purchased figure differ from this result?
Check the maker’s stated dimensions and measurement endpoints. Poses, bases, hair and stylisation can change the measured overall size; a scale label alone does not guarantee an exact standing height.
Explore the full scale drawing tool and height comparison classroom activities. For a list of measurements in different units, use the bulk converter. Unit conversion reference: NIST units of length.