What Size Are Warhammer 40k Miniatures? Your Complete Guide in Plateau-Mont-Royal

If you’ve ever wondered what size are  Warhammer 40k miniatures, you’re not alone. At Card Brawlers, located at 5821 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V 4H4, we help hobbyists and collectors in Plateau-Mont-Royal dive deeper into the incredible world of Warhammer. Whether you’re painting Space Marines, customizing terrain, or strategizing your next tabletop battle, understanding miniature size is crucial for building accurate armies and enhancing immersion.

The world of Warhammer is vast, but scale connects everything — from the smallest Ork Boy to the towering Imperial Knight. This article breaks down everything you need to know about what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures, how their measurements vary by faction, and why scale accuracy matters for painting, collecting, and gameplay.

Key Takeaways

• Standard Warhammer 40k miniatures are 1:60 scale (28–32mm) tall.

• Larger figures like Dreadnoughts or Knights can exceed 5–8 inches in height.

• Scale accuracy affects terrain, painting detail, and display proportions.

• Using tools like Green Stuff World Foam Sanding Pads helps achieve precision detailing.

• Card Brawlers in Montreal is your local hub for miniatures, paints, and accessories.

What Size Are Warhammer 40k Miniatures?

So, what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures in general terms? Most Warhammer 40k models are produced at a 1:60 scale, meaning that a six-foot-tall human in real life stands about 28–32mm tall in miniature form. This range is the industry standard for tabletop wargaming, allowing excellent balance between detail and playability.

However, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Warhammer 40k features a wide array of races and units — from human-sized soldiers to alien behemoths — each scaled appropriately to maintain realism on the battlefield.

Why Scale Matters in Warhammer 40k

When learning what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures, scale accuracy isn’t just cosmetic — it influences strategy, immersion, and craftsmanship.

• Gameplay Balance: The tabletop measurements are designed so models align with weapon ranges, terrain, and line-of-sight rules.

• Painting and Detailing: Scale consistency ensures brushes and paints apply evenly across models.

• Display Harmony: Proper scale keeps army aesthetics balanced, whether on shelves or in dioramas.

• Customization Ease: Knowing exact size helps when mixing kits or adding third-party upgrades.

In essence, scale is the language of Warhammer craftsmanship — it connects story, style, and performance.

Comparing Warhammer 40k Scales to Other Miniature Games

If you’re coming from other tabletop games, understanding what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures becomes even more important. Compared to titles like Dungeons & Dragons or Star Wars Legion, Warhammer 40k models are slightly larger and more detailed.

This variation explains why accessories or terrain from other games may not perfectly fit 40k models without modification.

How to Measure Your Warhammer 40k Miniatures

Knowing what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures involves simple tools and techniques.

1. Use a Caliper or Ruler: Measure from the base to the model’s eye level (not including decorative bases).

2. Account for Pose: Dynamic figures (e.g., lunging or crouching) may appear shorter; measure standing height.

3. Check Base Size: Bases often correlate with figure type — e.g., infantry (32mm), heroes (40–50mm), and large creatures (60–100mm).

4. Compare Across Factions: A Space Marine and a Necron Warrior might share similar height but differ in bulk.

By mastering these small details, you’ll better understand how proportions influence your painting and army layout.

The Evolution of Warhammer 40k Miniature Sizes

Over the years, Games Workshop has gradually scaled up Warhammer 40k miniatures to add realism and enhance sculpting quality.

• 1980s: Early metal figures were around 25mm tall, simple and compact.
  1990s: Plastic models introduced more consistent 28mm scaling.

• 2000s–Today: True-scale models like Primaris Marines now reach 32–35mm.

This shift means modern armies look bolder, more dynamic, and truer to lore — especially when placed alongside legacy collections.

Featured Product: Green Stuff World - Foam Sanding Pads

For modelers exploring what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures, precision sanding is essential. That’s where Green Stuff World - Foam Sanding Pads shine. These soft EVA foam pads, available in multiple grits, make it easy to smooth curved edges, refine joints, and prepare surfaces before painting.

Each color-coded pad handles different levels of refinement, from rough shaping to fine finishing. Because they can be cut into any size or shape, they’re perfect for reaching tight corners on 28mm infantry or broad armor plates on 150mm vehicles.

If you’re crafting or restoring Warhammer 40k figures in Plateau-Mont-Royal, this tool is a must-have.

Painting and Customization Tips for Different Scales 

Whether you’re painting a tiny Grot or a towering Knight, scale affects your technique.

• Small Models (28mm): Use fine brushes, minimal dry brushing, and high contrast highlights.

• Medium Models (50mm): Add subtle gradients and more weathering.

• Large Models (100mm+): Use airbrush layers, panel lining, and multiple color tones for realism.

Pro tip: Always test colors on similar-sized scrap models before committing to the full army.

Common Mistakes When Estimating Warhammer 40k Miniature Size 

• Ignoring pose variance — crouching models appear shorter.

• Confusing base size with figure height.

• Mixing old and new scales without visual balance.

• Using non-GW terrain that’s off-scale for 40k proportions.

Avoiding these pitfalls keeps your collection cohesive and visually stunning.

Conclusion

So, what size are Warhammer 40k miniatures? In short, they range from 28mm infantry to towering 8-inch Titans, representing the full scope of the 41st millennium’s battles. Understanding scale isn’t just technical — it’s creative. It defines how you build, paint, and display your army.

At Card Brawlers, we’re passionate about helping Montreal’s tabletop community bring their visions to life. Whether you’re new to Warhammer or expanding your collection, visit us at 5821 Av du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V 4H4, or call +15144957758 to explore paints, miniatures, and expert guidance tailored to your goals.

Experience the world of Warhammer 40k the right way — in Plateau-Mont-Royal, with the scale that defines the universe.

FAQs

Q: What scale are Warhammer 40k miniatures built to?
A: Most are built to a 1:60 scale, meaning 28–32mm tall for human-sized characters.

Q: Why do some Warhammer 40k miniatures look larger?
A: Larger models like Dreadnoughts or Knights follow lore proportions, sometimes reaching 150mm.

Q: Can I mix old and new Warhammer 40k models?
A: Yes, but be mindful of the size difference — newer models tend to be slightly larger (“true-scale”).

Q: What tools should I use for model prep?
A: Green Stuff World - Foam Sanding Pads are great for smoothing and shaping before priming.

Q: How tall is a Primaris Space Marine?
A: Around 32–35mm, representing about 7 feet in-game scale.

People Also Ask

Q: What size bases do Warhammer 40k miniatures use?
A: Most standard infantry use 32mm bases, while larger figures use 40–100mm depending on faction.

Q: Are Warhammer 40k miniatures bigger than Age of Sigmar models?
A: Generally yes, though both share similar scales — 40k models tend to be bulkier.

Q: Can I 3D print Warhammer 40k scale models?
A: Yes, but ensure the 1:60 scale is maintained for compatibility with terrain and bases.

Q: Do miniature sizes affect gameplay rules?
A: They can, especially for line of sight and area of effect mechanics.

Q: What’s the biggest Warhammer 40k miniature ever made?
A: The Forge World Warlord Titan, standing nearly 24 inches tall — a true collector’s masterpiece.