Size Guides
Collector's Size & Scale Guide
Understanding the scale of a collectible is crucial to building a cohesive and impressive display. At Toy Galactic, we provide detailed size information on every product page, but this guide will help you become an expert in the common scales used in the world of action figures and collectibles.
What is Scale?
Scale refers to the ratio of a collectible's size to the size of the real-world object or character it represents. For example, a 1/6 scale figure is one-sixth the size of the actual character.
Common Action Figure Scales
Here's a breakdown of the most popular action figure scales you'll find in our store:
1/12 Scale (6-inch figures)
- Average Height: 6 to 6.5 inches (15-17 cm)
- Popular Lines: Marvel Legends, S.H.Figuarts, Mezco One:12 Collective, Star Wars: The Black Series, Mafex.
- Why It's Popular: This is the most common scale for modern action figures. It offers a great balance of detail, articulation, and affordability. It's perfect for building extensive character rosters from your favorite franchises.
| Scale | Average Height | Popular For |
|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 6-6.5 inches | Marvel, Star Wars, DC, Anime (most modern figures) |
1/6 Scale (12-inch figures)
- Average Height: 12 inches (30 cm)
- Popular Lines: Hot Toys, Sideshow Collectibles, Threezero.
- Why It's Popular: This larger scale allows for an incredible level of detail, intricate accessories, and realistic fabric clothing. These are considered high-end, premium collectibles and are often the centerpiece of a collection.
| Scale | Average Height | Popular For |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 12 inches | Hyper-realistic figures, detailed fabric outfits |
1/18 Scale (3.75-inch figures)
- Average Height: 3.75 to 4 inches (9.5-10.5 cm)
- Popular Lines: Star Wars (Vintage Collection), G.I. Joe, JoyToy.
- Why It's Popular: The classic, vintage action figure scale. It's perfect for collectors who love building large armies and displaying vehicles and playsets, as they take up less space.
| Scale | Average Height | Popular For |
|---|---|---|
| 1/18 | 3.75-4 inches | Vehicles, army building, vintage-style figures |
Statue & Bust Scales
Statues often come in a wider range of scales, focusing on presence and display impact.
1/4 Scale Statues
- Average Height: 18 to 22 inches (45-56 cm)
- Why It's Popular: Known as "Quarter Scale," these are large, impressive statues with a significant shelf presence. They are highly detailed and often feature mixed-media elements.
1/10 Scale Statues
- Average Height: 7 to 9 inches (18-23 cm)
- Popular Lines: Iron Studios, Kotobukiya ARTFX+.
- Why It's Popular: A great entry-point for statue collecting. They are more space-friendly and affordable than larger scales while still offering excellent detail.
Japanese & Mecha Scales
Japanese collectibles, especially mecha (robot) figures, often use their own scaling systems.
- 1/144 Scale: Common for Gundam model kits (High Grade, Real Grade). Figures are typically around 5 inches tall.
- 1/100 Scale: Common for larger Gundam model kits (Master Grade). Figures are typically around 7-8 inches tall.
- Non-Scale: Many Japanese figures are listed as "non-scale." In these cases, we will always provide the specific height and dimensions of the figure in the product description.
How to Check a Product's Size
On every product page, you will find a "Specifications" section that includes:
- Scale: (e.g., 1/12, 1/6)
- Approximate Height: (in both inches and centimeters)
- Material: (e.g., PVC, ABS, Die-cast)
If you ever have a question about the size or scale of an item, please don't hesitate to contact us!