Gundam Scale Guide: 1/144 vs 1/100 vs 1/60 — Size Comparison With Photos
One of the most common questions new Gunpla builders ask is: "How big is this kit going to be?" The answer depends entirely on the scale — the ratio between the model and the fictional mobile suit it represents.
Quick answer: A standard 18-meter Gundam measures about 13cm (5") at 1/144 scale, 18cm (7") at 1/100 scale, and 30cm (12") at 1/60 scale. But not all mobile suits are the same height, so actual kit sizes vary. Read on for exact measurements.
Left to right: HG 1/144, MG 1/100, PG 1/60 — showing the dramatic size difference between scales
How Gundam Scale Works
Scale is a simple ratio. A 1/144 scale model is 1/144th the size of the fictional original. If a mobile suit is 18 meters tall in the anime, a 1/144 kit will be:
18,000mm ÷ 144 = 125mm ≈ 13cm (5 inches)
The same mobile suit at 1/100 scale:
18,000mm ÷ 100 = 180mm = 18cm (7 inches)
And at 1/60 scale:
18,000mm ÷ 60 = 300mm = 30cm (12 inches)
1/144 Scale — HG & RG
The most common Gunpla scale. Both High Grade (HG) and Real Grade (RG) kits use 1/144 scale, making them the same physical size despite RG having more detail.
Typical Measurements
| Mobile Suit | Anime Height | 1/144 Kit Height |
|---|---|---|
| RX-78-2 Gundam | 18.0m | ~13cm / 5.0" |
| Wing Gundam | 16.3m | ~11cm / 4.5" |
| Freedom Gundam | 18.0m | ~13cm / 5.0" |
| Barbatos | 18.0m | ~13cm / 5.0" |
| Sazabi | 25.6m | ~18cm / 7.0" |
| Neo Zeong | 116.0m | ~80cm / 31.5" |
Good to Know
- Most 1/144 kits fit comfortably in one hand
- Easy to display — a standard shelf can hold 10+ kits
- HG and RG kits are the same size but RG has more detail
- Some 1/144 kits are huge if the mobile suit is large (Neo Zeong, Penelope, Zeong)
1/100 Scale — MG & RE/100
Master Grade (MG) and RE/100 kits use 1/100 scale. This is about 44% taller than 1/144 — a significant jump that makes detail much more visible and the build more satisfying.
Typical Measurements
| Mobile Suit | Anime Height | 1/100 Kit Height |
|---|---|---|
| RX-78-2 Gundam | 18.0m | ~18cm / 7.0" |
| Freedom Gundam | 18.0m | ~18cm / 7.0" |
| Gundam Exia | 18.3m | ~18.3cm / 7.2" |
| FAZZ | 22.0m | ~22cm / 8.7" |
| Sazabi Ver.Ka | 25.6m | ~25cm / 10.0" |
| Deep Striker | 37.0m+ | ~38cm / 15.0" |
Good to Know
- The "sweet spot" size — detailed enough to appreciate, manageable to display
- Each MG kit needs roughly 15–20cm of shelf width including weapons and poses
- Some MG kits with large weapons/backpacks are much wider than they are tall
- 1/100 scale non-grade kits also exist and are simpler than MG
1/60 Scale — PG
Perfect Grade (PG) kits are 1/60 scale — massive display pieces that tower over every other grade. At this scale, individual mechanical details, hydraulics, and armor panel lines are clearly visible without magnification.
Typical Measurements
| Mobile Suit | Anime Height | 1/60 Kit Height |
|---|---|---|
| RX-78-2 Gundam | 18.0m | ~30cm / 12.0" |
| Unicorn Gundam (Destroy) | 21.7m | ~36cm / 14.2" |
| Strike Freedom | 18.9m | ~31cm / 12.2" |
| Gundam MK-II | 18.5m | ~31cm / 12.0" |
Good to Know
- PG kits need a dedicated display space — at least 30cm wide and 35cm+ tall
- Weight can be significant (some PGs weigh 500g+), so sturdy shelving is recommended
- LED units are available for many PG kits, making them even more impressive
- PG Unleashed has even finer detail than standard PG
Other Scales
1/48 Scale — Mega Size
Mega Size kits are 1/48 scale (~37cm tall for a standard Gundam). Despite being the largest non-PG kits, they're actually simpler to build than MG — fewer parts, bigger pieces, snap-fit construction. Great for display impact at moderate difficulty.
Non-Scale — SD Kits
SD (Super Deformed) kits don't follow a specific scale. They use cute, chibi proportions where the head is roughly the same size as the body. Most SD kits are 8–10cm tall regardless of the mobile suit they depict.
Scale Comparison at a Glance
| Scale | Typical Height | Grade(s) | Shelf Space Needed | Relative Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/144 | ~13cm / 5" | HG, RG | 10–15cm wide | Fits in your hand |
| 1/100 | ~18cm / 7" | MG, RE/100 | 15–25cm wide | About a ruler tall |
| 1/60 | ~30cm / 12" | PG | 30–40cm wide | About a foot tall |
| 1/48 | ~37cm / 15" | Mega Size | 30–40cm wide | Forearm length |
| Non-scale | ~8–10cm | SD, SDCS | 8–12cm wide | Palm-sized |
Which Scale Should You Choose?
- Limited display space? Go 1/144 (HG/RG) — you can fit a whole collection on one shelf
- Want the best build experience? Go 1/100 (MG) — best balance of detail and size
- Want a showstopper centerpiece? Go 1/60 (PG) — nothing beats PG for display impact
- Mixing scales? Most collectors focus on one scale for consistency, but there's no rule — display what you love
Shop by Scale at P-Rex Hobby
As a Bandai Recommended Store, P-Rex Hobby carries every scale from SD to PG. All kits are 100% authentic Bandai products with fast shipping to the US and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a 1/144 Gundam model?
A standard 1/144 Gundam (based on an 18-meter mobile suit) is approximately 13cm or 5 inches tall. This is the size of HG and RG kits.
How big is a Master Grade Gundam?
Master Grade kits are 1/100 scale. A standard MG Gundam is approximately 18cm or 7 inches tall. Larger mobile suits like the Sazabi can reach 25cm at this scale.
What is the biggest Gundam model kit?
The HGUC 1/144 Neo Zeong is one of the largest at approximately 80cm (31 inches) tall due to the enormous size of the mobile armor in the anime (116 meters). Among standard grades, the largest commonly available kits are Mega Size 1/48 (~37cm) and PG 1/60 (~30cm for standard mobile suits).
Can I mix different scales in a display?
Absolutely. While some collectors prefer consistency, many builders display their favorites across scales. The key is grouping by scale on separate shelves or areas so the size differences look intentional rather than random.
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