Miniature base sizes
The round, oval and square base sizes you see most often in the hobby, in millimetres and inches. Print them at real size to check a base, or work out how many fit a tray, a shelf or a box.
Common base sizes
These are sizes you see again and again in the hobby, from many makers. They are not a rule for any game. If you have a base in front of you, measure it across the widest point with a ruler or calipers and trust that over any list, ours included.
| Size | In inches |
|---|---|
| 25 mm | 0.98 in |
| 28.5 mm | 1.12 in |
| 32 mm | 1.26 in |
| 40 mm | 1.57 in |
| 50 mm | 1.97 in |
| 60 mm | 2.36 in |
| 80 mm | 3.15 in |
| 90 mm | 3.54 in |
| 100 mm | 3.94 in |
| 130 mm | 5.12 in |
| 160 mm | 6.30 in |
| Size | In inches |
|---|---|
| 60 × 35 mm | 2.36 × 1.38 in |
| 75 × 42 mm | 2.95 × 1.65 in |
| 90 × 52 mm | 3.54 × 2.05 in |
| 105 × 70 mm | 4.13 × 2.76 in |
| 120 × 92 mm | 4.72 × 3.62 in |
| 150 × 95 mm | 5.91 × 3.74 in |
| 170 × 105 mm | 6.69 × 4.13 in |
| Size | In inches |
|---|---|
| 20 mm | 0.79 in |
| 25 mm | 0.98 in |
| 40 mm | 1.57 in |
| 50 mm | 1.97 in |
The printed sheet draws every size above at its real size, so you can set a base on it to check what you have. Print at 100% or "actual size", then measure the check line at the top: it should be 50 mm.
How many fit?
Bases that fit
104
In staggered rows (each row pushed along half a base and tucked in closer): 9 rows, alternating 12 and 11, running along the 300 mm side.
The gap is the space you want between neighbouring bases, not at the edges. Rounds are tried in a square grid and in staggered rows, both ways round, and the better count wins. These are neat, regular layouts. Shuffling a few by hand can sometimes fit one more.
Sizing scenery or a display case to match your figures? The miniature scale converter turns real sizes into model sizes at any scale.
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How to use it
The lists show common sizes with the inch conversion beside each one. Press Print them at true size for a sheet with every size drawn at its real size, then sit a base on the drawing to see which one you have. Print at 100% or "actual size", and check the 50 mm line at the top with a ruler first.
For the calculator, pick a base, type the width and depth of the tray, shelf or box, and add a gap if you want space between bases. It tells you how many fit and draws the layout.
How to read the sizes
A round base is measured straight across its widest point, at the bottom edge. An oval is given long way by short way, so 60 × 35 mm is 60 mm long and 35 mm wide. A square is measured along one side. The inch figures are the millimetres divided by 25.4, rounded to two places.
These are sizes that turn up again and again from many makers. They are not a rule for any game, and we do not say which figure goes on which base. If your game or the maker gives a size, use that, and if you have the base in your hand, measure it.
How the calculator works
Square and oval bases are laid in straight rows, tried both ways round, and the better count wins. Round bases are tried two ways too: a square grid, and staggered rows, where every other row slides along by half a base and tucks in closer, like a honeycomb. Staggered rows sit 0.87 of a base apart instead of a full base, so in a deep enough space they fit more. The tool tries both, along both sides, and shows the best. The gap goes between neighbours, not at the edges.
It counts neat, regular layouts. Packing by hand, mixing the two, can sometimes fit one more in an awkward space.
More for your shelf
Planning a display? Our guide to displaying painted miniatures covers shelves, cabinets and lighting. To size scenery or a case to your figures, try the miniature scale converter.
Questions and answers
What is a 32 mm base in inches?
About 1.26 inches (32 divided by 25.4). A 25 mm base is about 0.98 inches, a 40 mm base 1.57 inches and a 50 mm base 1.97 inches.
Which base size does my miniature need?
Your game or the maker of the figure is the place to check, and we do not assign sizes to anyone's models. If the figure came on a base, measure it across the widest point and match it on the printed sheet.
How many 25 mm bases fit in a 300 × 200 mm tray?
Touching, 96 in a square grid of 12 by 8. Staggered rows along the 300 mm side fit 9 rows, alternating 12 and 11 bases, which is 104, so staggered wins. Add a gap and the count drops. The calculator works it out for any size.
How do I check my printout is the right size?
Print at 100% or "actual size", then measure the check line at the top of the sheet. It should be exactly 50 mm. If it is shorter, the printer shrank the page to fit.