Model scales refers to a size ratio that falls between a complete size of an item and its version of miniature scale. Scale measurements vary and the easiest scale is the one where one inch is equal to a one foot, 1/12 or else 1:12. In this case, a miniature object that is an inch tall will be 12 inches high in its normal size.

Two scale measures can be used to ensure miniatures are to scale. The scale, which is the miniature size, can be rated using two types of systems. Some types of scales are given as ratios and others are listed as a particular height. The ratio scale is sometimes written as a fraction. The figure on the right normally indicates the number of units such as centimeters or inches. This shows how many original units are equal to a unit of the replica. For instance, a 1:200 miniature scale means that if a miniature is 1 inch long, then its original was 200 inches long. Alternatively, it can be expressed as 1/200.  

Apart from the general 1/12 scale, a dollhouse scale is used. It is symbolized as the 1/24 scale occasionally referred to as 1/2 since it is equal to a half of the 1/12 range. Another small dollhouse scale that is sometimes referred to as 1/4 range is a regular on the 1/12 range.

1:6 scale known as play scale and is commonly used in fashion toys and 11” -12” figures like Barbie and Bratz.

Railway modelers also deal with miniature scales using a gauge that is a measurement of spaces between tracks. They can be divided to either Standard Gauge or Narrow Gauge groups. In both gauges, there are enormous miniature railroad scale ranges. Even in named groups for scales like HO, the ratio may differ greatly. HO can differ in dimension from about 1:70 to 1:88 on different gauges. This depends on manufacturers. The smallest model railways are N scale that is 1:160 and Z at 1:220 while the biggest used indoors is G scale ranging from 1:22 all the way to 1:25.

To determine the scale of a miniature, all you need to do it measure the height of the miniature, then find the height of the item in life size. Divide the life size height by the possible scale (process of elimination) and it will equal the size of the miniature.

Example: mini desk – guessing it looks like dollhouse scale

A miniature desk is 2.5” high

A life size desk is about 30” high

30 ~ 12 = 2.5