Diecast car size, also known as diecast scale, refers to the measurement of how large a diecast model vehicle is in comparison to the actual full-sized vehicle it represents. The scale is expressed as a fraction, such as 1:24, 1:18, 1:43, etc., where the first number refers to how many times smaller the model is than the real vehicle. So for example, a 1:24 scale diecast model means the model is 1/24th the size of the actual vehicle. Common diecast scales produce models around 6-8 inches for 1:24 scale, 9-12 inches for 1:18 scale, and 2.5-5 inches for smaller 1:32, 1:43 and 1:64 scales. Understanding diecast scale allows collectors to know approximately how big to expect their model vehicles to be for their collection or display. Read our Diecast model car guide, we’ll break down their sizes, prices, and how to choose the best one!
How Many Inches Are Each Diecast Car Scale?
1:12 scale – 13-15 inches long
1:18 scale – 9-12 inches long
1:24 scale – 6-8 inches long
1:32 scale – 4-6 inches long
1:34 scale – 3-5 inches long (used mainly for trucks)
1:43 scale – 3.5-5 inches long
1:48 scale – 3-4 inches long
1:50 scale – 3-4.5 inches long
1:55 scale – 2.5-4 inches long (common for Siku toys)
1:60 scale – 2-3.5 inches long
1:64 scale – 2-3.5 inches long (popular scale for Matchbox, Hot Wheels)
1:72 scale – 1.5-2.5 inches long (compatible with plastic kits)
1:76 scale – 2-3 inches long
1:87 scale – 1.5-2.5 inches long (compatible with model train scale H0)
Diecast Car Prices For Each Scale
1:12 scale:
$100-$500 for standard models
$500-$1,000 for high-end detailed models
1:18 scale:
$30-$100 for standard models
$100-$300 for high-end detailed models
1:24 scale:
$15-$50 for standard models
$50-$150 for high-end detailed models
1:32 scale:
$10-$30 for standard models
$30-$100 for high-end detailed models
1:43 scale:
$8-$25 for standard models
$25-$75 for high-end detailed models
1:50 scale:
$10-$30 for trucks/construction vehicles
1:64 scale:
$5-$15 for basic toy-style cars
$15-$30 for high-end detailed models
1:87 scale:
$5-$15 for basic models
$15-$30 for high-end detailed models
How To Choose The Best Diecast Car Scale?
1:12 scale – Very large, highly detailed models usually around 14-15 inches long, mainly targeted at adult collectors.
1:18 scale – Large, detailed models usually 8-11 inches long, mostly targeted at adults.
1:24 scale – A favored scale in the USA, also used for construction kits and dealer promotional models.
1:32 scale – Intermediate size, most common for model tractors and agricultural vehicles.
1:34 scale – Used almost exclusively by First Gear Models for large scale diecast trucks.
1:43 scale – The most popular worldwide and commonly used in Europe, Japan, Australia, and compatible with O gauge railways.
1:48 scale – Used for diecast aircraft and some vehicles, also a popular plastic model kit scale.
1:50 scale – Most widely used scale for trucks, buses, and construction vehicles.
1:55 scale – Used by Siku for toy cars and trucks, also the Cars movie diecasts.
1:60 scale – The scale of Dinky Toy military vehicles.
1:64 scale – Popular for farm models, trucks, and Matchbox/Hot Wheels cars.
1:72 scale – Compatible with 1:72 military plastic kits due to scale of vehicles.
1:76 scale – Common in UK, Australia for buses and trucks by brands like Corgi.
1:87 scale – Compatible with H0 trains, popular in Europe and USA for detail.
Diecast Car Scale Ranking
- 1:18 scale – This scale received the most votes as the most popular scale for diecast cars. It offers a large size with high levels of detail.
- 1:24 scale – The second most popular scale. It provides a good balance of size and detailing while still being accessible for many collectors.
- 1:43 scale – A widely used scale that allows for intricate recreations of vehicles in a practical size. It ranks third in popularity.
- 1:64 scale – Commonly used for toy-style models from brands like Hot Wheels and Matchbox. It places fourth.
- 1:50 scale – Popular for trucks and construction vehicles seeking high levels of fine details.
- 1:12 scale – Reserved for bigger, detailed showcase pieces but provides the most intricate recreations.
- 1:32 scale – An intermediate size appreciated for tractors, planes and other agricultural/industrial models.
- 1:87 scale – Compatible with model trains and sought for highly detailed replicas in a compact form.
- 1:6 scale – Used for very showcase-worthy collections pieces recreating vehicles in sizable splendor.
- 1:16 scale – Frequently used for radio controlled toys and larger and more detailed renditions.