Figure Scale Guide: 1/4, 1/6 and 1/7 Explained

A working reference for collectors who care about the LIN YUANZHE LED bust. These are the terms, numbers and checks that decide whether a piece looks right on the shelf and holds its value.

How figure scale actually works

Two pieces labelled 1/4 can differ because one includes a base and the other does not. Treat the published centimetres as the fact and the scale as a description of intent.

1/4 vs 1/6 vs 1/7 — what each one is for

1/7 and 1/8 are shelf-collection scales: many pieces, modest footprint, easy to rearrange. 1/6 is the detail-per-centimetre sweet spot and the most common collectible scale. 1/4 is a statement scale — one or two pieces per shelf, maximum presence, and the scale most busts are built at.

Measuring clearance before you buy

Leave at least 8-10 cm above the tallest point for lighting and for lifting the piece out without scraping. If the piece is in a cabinet, check the door swing as well — a piece that fits the shelf but not the opening is still a problem.

Scale and perceived value

Bigger is not automatically better, but scale does change how a shelf reads. A 1/4 piece anchors a display; three 1/7 pieces create texture. Mixing scales without a plan is what makes a collection look accidental.

Storage versus display scale

If you rotate a collection, standardise on one scale so the same cabinet can serve both roles. Rotating between scales usually means buying storage twice.

Frequently asked

Q1 How tall is a 1/7 scale figure?

Roughly 22-25 cm for a standard character, including the base. It is the classic shelf-collection scale.

Q2 How tall is a 1/6 scale figure?

Around 28-32 cm for a full figure, which is why 1/6 is the most common collectible scale — enough size for detail without dominating a shelf.

Q3 How tall is a 1/4 scale bust?

Typically 32-34 cm, because a bust crops at the shoulders but adds a display base. A full 1/4 figure would be around 45 cm.

Q4 Do two 1/4 pieces always match in size?

No. Bases, capes and poses change the envelope. Always compare the published centimetres, not the scale label.

Q5 How much clearance should I leave above a piece?

Leave 8-10 cm above the tallest point for lighting and for lifting the piece out safely.

Q6 What scale should a beginner start with?

1/6 offers the widest range of releases and the easiest resale. Move to 1/4 when you want one focal anchor piece rather than depth.

Related reading on VELLUM: the collection, the journal, and the studio notes.