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Understanding Figure Scales
02
Dec
Dec
Anime Figure Scale Guide: Understanding Sizes, Brands, and What to Expect
If you’re looking to start or expand your anime figure collection, understanding figure scale is one of the most important things you can learn. Scale determines how large a figure is compared to the character’s intended height, and it helps you choose figures that fit your display space and collecting style.
Explore figures across all scales at Anime STL World.
What “Scale” Means in Anime Figures
Scale represents the ratio between a figure and the character’s full-size height. Most anime characters are assumed to be around 170–180 cm tall, so scale helps you understand how big a figure will be before you buy it.
Examples:
- 1:1 scale → life-size
- 1:2 scale → half-size
- 1:12 scale → around 15 cm (6″)
Knowing scale makes it easier to compare brands, plan displays, and choose figures confidently.
Popular Anime Figure Scales (With Inches & Examples)
1:4 Scale — Approx. 45 cm (17.7″)
Large, detailed display pieces designed as centerpieces.
Examples:
- FREEing 1/4 Bunny Figures
- Prime 1 Studio anime statues
- F:NEX large-scale releases
1:6 Scale — Approx. 30 cm (11.8″)
This scale is less common for anime but popular for realistic, high-end figures with fabric clothing and detailed accessories.
Examples:
- Medicom Real Action Heroes (RAH)
- Select Hot Toys anime/tokusatsu releases
1:7 & 1:8 Scale — Approx. 21–24 cm (8–9.5″)
Two of the most popular scales for anime statues. They offer excellent detail without requiring as much space as larger figures.
Common brands:
- Good Smile Company
- Kotobukiya (Bishoujo, ARTFX J)
- Alter
- Aniplex+
- Kadokawa
- Max Factory
1:10 Scale — Approx. 17–18 cm (6.7–7″)
A growing scale for character statues, offering a balance between size and detail.
Examples:
- Kotobukiya ARTFX+
- Various anime and tokusatsu statues
1:18 Scale — Approx. 9–10 cm (3.5–4″)
More niche in anime collecting but popular for compact mecha and sci-fi lines. Great for collectors who enjoy dioramas or small-scale displays.
Examples:
- JoyToy
- Acid Rain
1:12 Scale — Approx. 13–15 cm (5–6″)
A major scale for articulated anime figures. Ideal for posing, photography, and scene recreation.
Popular lines:
- Figma (Good Smile Company / Max Factory)
- SHFiguarts (Bandai)
- Revoltech / Amazing Yamaguchi (Kaiyodo)
- Mafex (Medicom)
Non‑Scale Figures — Typically 10–18 cm (4–7″)
Non-scale figures are extremely popular due to their affordability and wide character variety. They don’t follow a strict ratio but are consistent within their own lines.
Common brands:
- Banpresto
- Bandai Spirits
- Taito
- FuRyu
- SEGA
Chibi / Super-Deformed Figures — Approx. 10 cm (4″)
Stylized figures with large heads and small bodies. Known for their cute designs and huge character rosters.
Examples:
- Nendoroid (Good Smile Company)
- Q Posket (Banpresto)
- Pop Up Parade (Good Smile Company) — non-scale, around 17–18 cm
Garage Kits (GK) — For Customization and Hobby Builders
Garage kits are unpainted, unassembled resin kits that allow collectors to build and paint their own figures. They’re popular among hobbyists who enjoy customizing poses, colors, shading, and fine details.
Garage kits often come in scales such as:
- 1:6
- 1:7
- 1:8
- 1:10
Because they require assembly and painting, garage kits offer a unique level of personalization that pre-painted figures can’t match. They’re perfect for collectors who want something truly one-of-a-kind.
Why Understanding Scale Matters
Knowing figure scales helps you:
- Compare sizes before buying
- Plan shelf and detolf layouts
- Choose between articulated and statue figures
- Understand differences between brands
- Decide which scale fits your display space
- Explore custom options like garage kits and commissions
Whether you collect Figma, Nendoroids, prize figures, garage kits, or 1/7 scale statues, understanding scale makes collecting smoother and more enjoyable.
To explore figures across all scales, visit Anime STL World.
Commission Figures — Custom Anime Figures Made Just for You – Fully Custom, Made to Order
For collectors who want something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, commission figures offer the chance to bring your exact vision to life. Unlike mass‑produced figures, a commissioned piece is designed around your ideas, preferences, and character choices.
Whether you’re looking for a custom-painted Garage Kit, a personalized version of an existing character, or a completely original sculpt, commissions give you full creative control.
What You Can Commission
- Custom paint jobs (anime, realistic, cel‑shaded, metallic, pastel, etc.)
- Repaints of existing figures
- Unique outfits, poses, or expressions
- Original characters brought to life in figure form.
- Custom bases, diorama elements, or themed displays
- One‑of‑a‑kind gifts or centerpiece display pieces
Why Collectors Love Commission Figures
- Every piece is one‑of‑a‑kind.
- You choose the scale, style, and finish.
- Perfect for characters with no official figure.
- Ideal for display cases, conventions, or personal collections.
- A way to express your creativity and stand out as a collector.
Commission figures blend craftsmanship with personalization, giving you a collectible that no one else in the world owns. If you want a figure that reflects your style, your character, and your imagination, commissions are the ultimate upgrade to any collection.
In summary, here are the scales I use when you ask me for commission work
1:4 Scale (approx. 18″)
1:6 Scale (approx. 12″)
1:9 Scale (approx. 8″)
1:10 Scale (approx. 7″)
1:18 Scale (approx. 3.75-4″)
1:12 Scale (approx. 5-6″)
1:48 Scale (approx. 2″)
Click HERE and fill out the form if you’d like a commission from me
You are also welcome to message me directly at my Instagram for any questions regarding commissions Here: INSTAGRAM
