In brief
20mm and 1/72 scale are often treated as the same in historical wargaming, but the numbers tell a different story. True 1/72 scale converts to roughly 22.4mm when measured from the base of the foot to the bridge of the nose. This article explains the difference between 20mm and 1/72 scale, and why understanding the correct measurement helps when matching figures, vehicles, and terrain.
Our 20 mm and 1:72 figures are different sizes. We measure both from the sole of the foot to the bridge of the nose. On a standing figure, our 20 mm option measures 20 mm at that point, while our 1:72 option measures 22.4 mm.
We use these fixed anatomical points to get consistent measurements regardless of hairstyle or headgear. A bareheaded soldier and one wearing a tall shako can have the same body proportions but different overall heights.
When ordering, choose the size that fits your collection. The labels alone cannot tell you how closely figures from different manufacturers will match.
The difference between our two sizes
Our scale guide uses a reference adult measurement of 1,610 mm at eye level. That gives the following comparison:
| Battle Honours 3D option | Standing height from sole to bridge of nose | Scale ratio using our reference |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mm | 20 mm | Approximately 1:81 |
| 1:72 | 22.4 mm | 1:72 |
Our 1:72 measurement is about 12% taller than our 20 mm measurement. That is worth checking before adding new figures to an existing unit.
The adult reference provides a consistent basis for these calculations. Human height varies, so it does not mean that every person represented at 1:72 must be exactly the same height.
Check how your existing figures were measured
A figure described as “22 mm tall” could have been measured to the eyes, the top of the bare head or the top of a helmet. Those measurements describe different points on the model.
Choose three to five ordinary standing figures from your collection and measure each from the sole to the bridge of the nose. Keep the base out of the measurement and calculate the average. Digital callipers are useful at this size.
Record the bare-head height separately where it is visible. If the manufacturer gives a foot-to-eye measurement, follow its stated method when checking that figure against its description.
Then compare the build. Heads, hands, shoulder width and weapon thickness affect how large a figure looks. A broad 20 mm sculpt may look heavier beside a slimmer figure even when it is shorter. Matching height is a useful first check; the proportions still need to work together.
Mixing figures, vehicles and buildings
Start by putting the figures at the same ground level. A thicker base can make one range appear taller before you have compared the bodies themselves.
For example, a 3 mm figure base represents about 22 cm at 1:72. Place that figure beside a vehicle sitting directly on the table and its feet will be raised above the vehicle’s ground level. Account for the base when judging the fit.
Compare figures beside doorways, gun shields and vehicle hatches. For artillery crews, check whether the hands and working poses sit sensibly around the gun. For troops entering a building, check the doorway against their shoulders and headgear.
A difference you accept between separate units may be distracting within one crew or rank. Try a small group together before committing to a full force.
Also check the scale of individual kits. Airfix lists its WWII British 8th Army set as 1:76. A model of the same subject is about 6% larger in each dimension at 1:72, so the two ratios should be compared deliberately.
Choosing your Battle Honours 3D option
If your existing standing infantry measures close to 20 mm from sole to nose, our 20 mm option is the closer starting point. If it measures close to 22.4 mm, start with our 1:72 option and compare the sculpt proportions.
For a new project built around 1:72 vehicles and scenery, choose our 1:72 figures as the starting point. If you are matching an established army, use its actual measurements to guide the choice.
Where a product has separate 20 mm and 1:72 options, check the scale selector before adding it to your basket. These are separate size choices in our catalogue.
If you need help with a match, contact us with the manufacturer, range and sole-to-nose measurement. A straight-on photograph beside a metric ruler also helps. Keep the ruler and figures at the same distance from the camera.
We give you a 48-hour window after placing your order to request scale adjustments, so you have time to check your measurements and get the right size for your collection.