What fits at 1:48 (quarter scale)
Aircraft kits, larger armour, dioramas and O-scale trains. The extra size over 1:72 leaves room for cockpit detail and weathering.
| Real subject | Real size | 1:48 model |
|---|---|---|
| P-51 Mustang fighter | 9.83 m | 20.5 cm |
| F/A-18 Hornet | 17.1 m | 35.6 cm |
| AH-64 Apache helicopter | 17.7 m | 36.9 cm |
| Willys Jeep | 3.33 m | 6.9 cm |
| Human figure | 1.8 m | 3.8 cm |
Size comparison at 1:48
Relative model sizes at 1:48 (longest bar = largest model):
1:48 in mm, cm and inches
How common real-world sizes convert to 1:48 model size:
| Real size | Model (mm) | Model (cm) | Model (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m | 20.8 mm | 2.08 cm | 0.82 in |
| 2 m | 41.7 mm | 4.17 cm | 1.64 in |
| 5 m | 104 mm | 10.4 cm | 4.1 in |
| 10 m | 208 mm | 20.8 cm | 8.2 in |
| 1 ft | 6.35 mm | 0.635 cm | 0.25 in |
| 6 ft (person) | 38.1 mm | 3.81 cm | 1.5 in |
Frequently asked questions
Why is 1:48 called quarter scale?
Because a quarter of an inch on the model equals one foot in real life (0.25 in × 48 = 12 in), a common architectural and modelling convention.
Is 1:48 the same as O scale?
In the United States, O-scale model railroads commonly use 1:48, so the two share the same ratio.