How Big Is a 1/18 Scale RC Car?
Find out how big a 1/18 scale RC car is and be surprised by its size in this fun guide.
By Elite Radio Control teamUpdated 3 min read
Part of the guide: RC car scales

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering: how big is a 1/18 scale RC car? RC cars are a fun way to pass the time, for adults and for kids alike (there are even plenty of RC cars for girls). There’s nothing like watching your RC car race, jump and spin.
It’s a very common question among people who are just getting started with the exciting experience of owning one.
What is 1/18 scale?
1/18 scale refers to the ratio between the size of an RC car model and the size of a real car. It means a 1/18 scale RC car is 18 times smaller than the real car.
So a 1/18 scale RC car is a very small car.
How big is a 1/18 scale RC car?
A 1/18 scale RC car is about 8.7 in (22 cm) long, 4.7 in (12 cm) wide and 2.8 in (7 cm) high. That makes a 1/18 scale RC car really small, which is one of the main reasons they’re so popular with kids.
Features of a 1/18 scale RC car
A 1/18 scale RC car has plenty of features that make it fun to drive. These include:
- Design: 1/18 scale RC cars have a sleek, modern design that makes them very appealing.
- Speed: 1/18 scale RC cars can reach speeds of up to 15 mph (24 km/h).
- Durability: 1/18 scale RC cars stand up well to crashes, which makes them very durable.
- Control: 1/18 scale RC cars handle very well, which makes them easy to drive.
What are the approximate measurements of a 1/18 scale RC car?
The approximate measurements of a 1/18 scale RC car are 6.3 in (16 cm) long, 3.1 in (8 cm) high and 3.1 in (8 cm) wide.
What size is a 1/18 scale RC car?
A 1/18 scale RC car is roughly 12 in (30 cm) long, 6 in (15 cm) wide and 3.5 in (9 cm) high.
What are the typical dimensions of a 1/18 scale RC car?
The typical dimensions of a 1/18 scale RC car are about 6.3 in (16 cm) long by 2.4 in (6 cm) wide by 2 in (5 cm) high. In other words, the scale model is about 1/18 the size of the real vehicle.
How can I work out the exact scale of a 1/18 scale RC car?
To work out the exact scale of an RC car, you first need to measure it. You’ll need a ruler or tape measure and a calculator. Measure the length of the model and of the real car it copies, in the same units, then divide the real car’s length by the model’s length. For example, if the real car is 180 in long and the model is 10 in long, 180 ÷ 10 = 18, so the exact scale is 1/18.
How can I work out the real size of a car from a 1/18 scale RC model?
To work out the real car’s size from a 1/18 scale RC model, multiply the model’s measurement by 18. For example, if the model is 3 in long, the real car is 3 x 18 = 54 in long.
Conclusion
All in all, 1/18 scale RC cars are a fun way to pass the time. These cars are small, light and easy to control. They can reach speeds of up to 15 mph (24 km/h).
If you’re thinking about getting a 1/18 scale RC car, you now know they measure about 8.7 in (22 cm) long, 4.7 in (12 cm) wide and 2.8 in (7 cm) high.
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