DnD Miniature Scale Guide: 28mm vs 32mm vs 75mm Heroic Scale

You have a shiny new campaign, a character you adore and a set of battle maps waiting on the table. Then comes the question every new game master asks: what size are DnD miniatures supposed to be? The answer is a little messier than you might expect, because "scale" in tabletop gaming has never been standardised. This guide explains the most common DnD miniature scales, how they work with a standard battle grid, and how to choose the right size for your table.

What does miniature scale actually mean?

Miniature scale is usually quoted in millimetres, for example 28mm or 32mm. In the hobby, that number traditionally describes the height of a standing human figure measured from the soles of the feet to the eyes. It is a guide rather than an exact measurement: a stout dwarf will be shorter than a tall elf, and a hat, helmet or dramatic pose will push the overall height up. That is why two "32mm" miniatures can look slightly different side by side.

The common DnD miniature scales

28mm: the classic

Older wargaming ranges and many early roleplaying miniatures were sculpted at around 28mm. These figures are slimmer and more realistically proportioned. If you are mixing in older miniatures, expect them to look a touch smaller than modern releases.

32mm heroic scale: the modern standard

Most contemporary tabletop RPG miniatures are sculpted in 32mm heroic scale. "Heroic" means the proportions are exaggerated: chunkier hands, bigger weapons and broader shoulders. This makes details easier to see and paint at arm's length, and it gives characters a cinematic presence on the table. If you are buying or printing minis for D&D 5e or Pathfinder, 32mm heroic is the safest default, and it is the scale our fantasy TTRPG miniatures collection is built around.

54mm and 75mm: display and showcase pieces

Larger scales such as 54mm and 75mm are popular for hero characters, painting competitions and display shelves. At 75mm you can see every stitch of a cloak and every rune on a blade, which makes these models a joy to paint. They are less practical on a standard grid, since a figure this tall and wide covers far more than one square, but many players keep one for a favourite character and use it as a centrepiece.

How scale works with a battle grid

Standard battle maps use one-inch squares, and a Medium creature occupies a single square. Miniatures are mounted on bases to make this work, so the base matters at least as much as the figure's height:

• Medium creatures (most player characters): a 25mm to 30mm round base fits comfortably within one inch.
• Large creatures (such as ogres or horses): a 2x2 square footprint, usually a base of around 50mm.
• Huge and Gargantuan creatures (giants and dragons): 3x3 squares or more, which is where big sculpts really shine.

If you play theatre-of-the-mind or on a gridless table, you can relax: just keep your figures broadly consistent so a goblin never towers over the party's paladin by accident.

Which scale should you choose?

1. Playing at the table with a grid: choose 32mm heroic scale. It is durable enough to handle, readable from across the table and compatible with the vast majority of modern ranges.
2. Collecting and painting for display: consider 54mm or 75mm for a hero piece, then keep 32mm for the rest of the party.
3. Mixing ranges: stick to one scale for an entire encounter. A 28mm figure beside a 32mm heroic one is fine, but a 75mm figure next to either will look like a boss monster.

Scaling a 3D printed miniature

One big advantage of 3D printing is that scale is flexible. A single digital sculpt can be printed at 28mm, 32mm or 75mm, and a design sold for one scale can often be resized to suit your table. That freedom is also where beginners trip up: a model exported at the wrong size will either print as a tiny speck or as an enormous statue. Always check the dimensions in your slicer before you print, and remember that very thin features such as swords, staves and wings become fragile when scaled down.

Resin printing is a great fit for small scales because it captures fine detail in faces, armour and fabric. If you already own STL files from Hero Forge, Eldritch Foundry or another designer but do not own a printer, our custom resin 3D printing service will print them for you in high-detail resin, and you can request a custom quote if you are unsure how your file will scale. You can also browse the wider 3D resin printing services range.

Ready-made miniatures to get you started

If you would rather skip the maths, our DM Stash TTRPG miniatures are officially licensed designs, 3D printed and sold by us. Popular picks include the dwarven Gordrain Stonehand for a stout party tank, the lurking Trogg Cannibals for dungeon encounters, and the imposing Kuriazor, Dragon of the Depths for the boss fight everyone will remember.

Quick answers

Are DnD miniatures 25mm or 28mm? Base sizes are usually 25mm to 30mm, while figure heights vary by manufacturer. Most modern minis are 32mm heroic scale.

Can I use different scales together? Yes. Keep each encounter consistent where you can, and save size contrasts for deliberate moments, like a giant towering over the party.

Does scale affect price? For printed miniatures, larger models use more material, so they generally cost more.

Final thoughts

Scale does not need to be complicated. Pick 32mm heroic as your table standard, choose bases that match your grid, and save the larger 75mm pieces for the characters who deserve a spotlight. Whether you buy ready-made or print your own, a consistent scale makes every encounter look and feel better. Happy gaming, and may your next roll be a natural 20.