Scales and Sizes

Choosing the scale of a figurine is an essential step before making a purchase. The same sculpture can have a completely different visual impact depending on its size: a 1/9-scale figurine will be easier to display, a 1/6-scale figurine will offer an excellent balance between detail and size, while a 1/4-scale piece will become a true centerpiece in a collection.

At Atelier Figurines, the models are designed for collectors, miniatures painters, fans of fantasy, science fiction, fan art, wargames, pets, soft pin-up, mythology, horror, manga, historical subjects, or dioramas. The available scales allow you to tailor each piece to your space, budget, painting skill level, and the desired effect in your display case.

This page clearly explains what the scales 1/9, 1/6, and 1/4 mean, how to compare them, what approximate sizes to expect, and how to choose the best option for your project.

What is the scale of a figurine?

Scale refers to the ratio between the actual size of a character, animal, creature, or object and its scaled-down size as a figurine. For example, a 1/6-scale figurine means that the model is about six times smaller than the subject at actual size.

The smaller the number after the “1/,” the larger the figure. For example, a 1/4-scale figure is much larger than a 1/9-scale figure. Conversely, a 1/9-scale figure is more compact than a 1/6- or 1/4-scale figure.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that a scale doesn’t always indicate an exact height. Two 1/6-scale figures may be different sizes if one depicts a standing character and the other a crouching, seated, winged, or mounted character, or one that is integrated into a decorative base.

Height also depends on posture

A standing figure with a raised weapon, a dynamic cape, or large wings can appear much more imposing than a character of the same scale in a calm pose. The base also plays an important role: a rocky landscape, a ruin, a column, a scenic base, or a diorama element can significantly increase the final height.

For this reason, the exact dimensions of a product should always be checked on the figure’s product page when they are listed. The scale provides a general reference, but the final sculpture remains the best indicator of the actual size.

Comparison Chart of Figure Scales

Here is a simple guide to understanding the main scales used on Atelier Figurines. The sizes are given as a general guide for a standing humanoid figure approximately 1.75 m to 1.85 m tall in real life.

Scale	Approximate height of a standing character	Visual Presence	Recommended Use
1/9	About 19 to 21 cm	Compact, elegant, easy to display	Extensive collection, display case, accessible painting
1/6	About 28 to 32 cm	Excellent balance between detail and size	For the discerning collector, detailed painting, a standout piece
1/4	About 43 to 48 cm	Very imposing, spectacular	Centerpiece, display, maximum impact

These values are general guidelines. A creature, a monster, an animal, a pin-up, a massive warrior, or a character wearing heavy armor may exceed these proportions. Conversely, a figure that is seated, kneeling, or depicted as a bust may be shorter, while still remaining true to its scale.

1/9 scale: the best choice for an elegant, easy-to-display collection

The 1/9 scale is ideal for collectors who want to enjoy a beautifully sculpted figure without taking up too much space. A 1/9-scale figure already makes a striking statement on display, while remaining compact enough to include multiple pieces in a single collection.

This scale is ideal for fantasy, science fiction, manga, historical, large-scale wargame, soft pin-up, and fan art characters. It allows you to appreciate the proportions, facial details, clothing textures, weapons, armor, and background elements without taking up as much space as a large piece would.

Who is the 1/9 intended for?

The 1/9 scale is particularly well-suited for collectors who have a standard display case, for painters who want a piece that’s enjoyable to work on without having to use a very large format, and for enthusiasts who wish to build a cohesive collection featuring several characters from the same universe.

It’s also a good scale for getting started with resin miniatures. It’s detailed enough to look great, but it takes up less display space and requires less time to paint than a 1/4-scale miniature.

The Benefits of 1/9

• A format that’s easy to display in a window or on a shelf.
• A great choice for a collection with several figurines.
• Prices are generally more affordable than those at a large-scale store.
• A more reasonable painting time for a painted version.
• A good balance between detail, presence, and bulk.

1/6 Scale: The Perfect Balance Between Detail, Impact, and Collectibility

The 1/6 scale is often considered one of the best sizes for collectible figures. It offers a strong visual presence without taking up as much space as a 1/4-scale piece. It is a very popular scale for detailed figures, intricate armor, expressive faces, and elaborate bases.

A 1/6-scale figure allows for a clearer view of the details: folds in clothing, skin textures, leather, metal, fur, scales, weapons, accessories, ornaments, and scenery. For a painted figure, this scale also allows for a more nuanced rendering, with greater possibilities for shadows, highlights, textural effects, and color transitions.

Why choose a 1/6-scale figure?

The 1/6 scale is an excellent choice if you want a figure that immediately catches the eye without being too difficult to display. This scale is well-suited for tall display cases, sturdy shelves, collectors’ desks, personal display areas, or dedicated dioramas.

Whether it’s fantasy, science fiction, manga, horror, mythology, or historical warfare, the 1/6 scale allows you to give your characters more presence. Weapons, armor, dynamic poses, and base details take on greater impact.

The Benefits of 1/6

• Excellent level of detail visible to the naked eye.
• Looks great in a display window or on a shelf.
• The ideal format for highly detailed, painted miniatures.
• A good balance between size, visual impact, and space requirements.
• It’s perfect for the main characters in a series.

1/4 Scale: The Spectacular Collectible Figure

The 1/4 scale corresponds to a large collectible figure. It is the format that offers the greatest visual impact among the standard scales available on Atelier Figurines. A 1/4-scale figure quickly becomes a centerpiece: it catches the eye, commands attention, and highlights every sculptural detail.

This scale is particularly well-suited for collectors who want a striking, decorative, almost sculptural piece. It works very well for iconic figures, creatures, warriors, soft pin-ups, fantasy heroines, monsters, imposing busts, and models intended to be displayed on their own or as a focal point.

Why does the 1/4 require more space?

A 1/4-scale figurine can be close to or exceed 45 cm in height, depending on the pose and the base. With a raised weapon, wings, a cape, a decorative base, or a vertical element, the final height can be significantly greater. You should therefore make sure you have adequate display space before purchasing.

The weight may also be greater, especially for a resin sculpture with multiple parts. A sturdy shelf, a stable display case, or a dedicated surface is recommended.

The Benefits of 1/4″

• Very strong visual impact.
• More distinct sculpting details.
• The detailed paintings look absolutely stunning.
• Perfect as a centerpiece for a collection.
• An excellent choice for iconic characters or large creatures.

How do you choose the right figure scale?

The choice of scale depends on several factors: the available space, the level of detail you want, your budget, the time it will take to paint if you choose an unpainted version, and the role the figure will play in your collection.

No one scale is better than another. The right choice is the one that fits your collecting style. A small collection of large 1/4-scale pieces can make a spectacular impact. A more extensive 1/9-scale collection can create a complete and cohesive world. The 1/6 scale often falls somewhere in between, offering an excellent overall balance.

If you’re short on space

1/9 scale is generally the most practical choice. It allows you to display several figures without overcrowding a display case. It’s a very convenient scale for building a collection centered on a theme, a universe, or a type of character.

If you’re looking for the best balance

The 1/6 scale is often the most versatile choice. It offers a wealth of detail, a real visual presence, and is easier to set up than a very large piece. For many collectors, it’s the most convenient scale in the long run.

If you want a centerpiece

The 1/4 scale is the most spectacular choice. It’s ideal for figurines you want to showcase on their own—on a dedicated shelf, in a large display case, or in a personal exhibition space. This is the format to choose if you’re looking for an immediate “wow” effect.

Scale and Level of Detail: What You Need to Know

The larger a figurine is, the more visible the details become. At a 1/4 scale, textures, proportions, facial expressions, hair, armor, fabric folds, and accessories are easier to make out. This often gives the impression of higher quality, especially when the sculpting is well done.

However, a small, well-sculpted model can be just as elegant. The 1/9 scale retains a great deal of detail, especially on a well-designed figure. The main difference lies in the viewing distance: a large piece can be appreciated from a distance, while a more compact piece invites you to get closer to appreciate the details.

Scale and Painting: What Size Should You Choose for a Painted Miniature?

When it comes to painted miniatures, scale has a significant impact on the final result. A larger scale allows for more subtle shading, more clearly defined lighting effects, more realistic skin tones, and more detailed work on textures. The 1/6 and 1/4 scales are therefore particularly well-suited for complex paint jobs.

However, the 1/9 scale remains an excellent format for a beautiful collector’s painting. It produces a clean, clear, and elegant result, with a generally more reasonable production time. For a series of characters or a themed collection, the 1/9 scale often works very well.

Unpainted version or painted version?

An unpainted figure is intended for collectors who want to paint it themselves or have it painted by a professional. A painted figure is ready to display upon receipt. In both cases, the choice of scale affects the level of visible detail, the time required for painting, the price, and the space needed.

Scale and Exhibition Space

Before choosing a ladder, it’s a good idea to measure the available space. Check the height, width, and depth of your display case or shelf. Also consider the space around the figurine: a display that’s too cramped often loses its visual impact.

A figurine needs visual breathing room. Leaving a little space around it makes it easier to appreciate its silhouette, base, pose, and details. This is even more important for dynamic figurines, dioramas, winged creatures, or characters with long weapons.

A Simple Tip Before You Buy

If you’re unsure, grab a ruler or tape measure and estimate the approximate height of the figurine where you want to display it. This simple step helps you avoid unpleasant surprises, especially with 1/6 and 1/4 scales.

Scale and Consistency of the Collection

A collection can be built around a single scale or combine multiple scales. Both approaches are possible. A collection entirely in 1/9 scale creates a sense of unity and allows you to display many models. A 1/6-scale collection creates a stronger visual presence while remaining organized. A collection with a few 1/4-scale pieces highlights carefully selected models.

It is also possible to reserve the larger scales for the most important characters and use the more compact scales to round out the universe. For example, a main character in 1/4 scale could be accompanied by several 1/9- or 1/6-scale figures in another display area.

Scales for busts, creatures, and dioramas

Busts, creatures, and dioramas aren’t always comparable to a standing character. A 1/4-scale bust can look very imposing, even if it doesn’t have legs. A 1/9-scale creature can be much larger than a human at the same scale if the subject depicted is gigantic in its original universe.

For dioramas, the amount of space required depends as much on the width and depth of the base as it does on the height of the figure. A display with multiple elements—such as a battle scene, a rocky base, or a detailed environment—may require more space than a single figure.

Abstract: Which scale should you choose?

Choose the 1/9 scale if you want an elegant, compact figure that’s easy to display and ideal for building a complete collection. Choose the 1/6 scale if you’re looking for the best balance between detail, size, and visual impact. Choose the 1/4 scale if you want a striking, imposing piece destined to become the centerpiece of your collection.

In any case, Atelier Figurines’ resin figurines are made to order to provide pieces tailored to discerning collectors. Choosing the right scale allows you to customize your experience based on your available space, budget, painting plans, and how you display your models.