Free calculator
RC Scale Converter
Convert real-world sizes to the scale of your RC model (1/5, 1/8, 1/10…) and work out the equivalent real size of a model.
How to use the converter
- Choose whether you want to go from real size to model or from model to real size.
- Select the scale.
- Enter the size in inches or centimeters (pick the unit next to the box).
Examples
- A real car 170 in (4.3 m) long is 17 in (43 cm) at 1/10 scale.
- A 20 in (51 cm) model at 1/8 scale matches a real vehicle 160 in (13 ft 4 in, about 4.1 m) long.
- A 177 in (4.5 m) sedan at 1/24 scale is about 7.4 in (18.7 cm) long.
The most common RC scales
| Scale | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 1/5 | Large gas cars |
| 1/8 | Nitro or electric buggies and truggies |
| 1/10 | The most popular: touring cars, buggies, crawlers, monster trucks |
| 1/12 to 1/16 | Entry-level and toy models |
| 1/18 to 1/24 | Small indoor cars |
You’ll find the real sizes and the pros of each scale in the RC car scales guide and in the guides to 1/5 scale RC cars, 1/8 scale RC cars, 1/12 scale RC cars and 1/18 scale RC cars.
Frequently asked questions
What does 1/10 scale mean?
That the model is ten times smaller than the real vehicle: every inch on the model stands for ten inches on the real thing.
How big is a 1/10 RC car?
It depends on the car it replicates, but most 1/10 touring cars are about 16 to 18 in (40 to 45 cm) long, because the real cars they copy are about 13 to 15 ft (4 to 4.5 m) long.
Why aren't two cars of the same scale the same size?
Because each manufacturer rounds the scale, and because they replicate vehicles of different sizes. A 1/10 monster truck is much bigger than a 1/10 touring car.
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Check out our complete guide to RC car scales and sizes. Learn how to choose the perfect model for you and get the most out of your hobby!
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