Miniature Scale Explained: Will Your Minis Fit Your Game?

Quick Answer

Most D&D miniatures are designed around 28mm scale, which fits a 1-inch grid. Some WizKids miniatures are closer to 32mm, but they still work on standard grids because base size matters more than figure height. Check the base diameter before you buy, not just the scale label.

You found a miniature you love, but will it actually fit on your battle mat? Scale labels can be confusing, and a figure that looks right online might crowd your grid or tower over your party. This guide answers the most common questions about miniature scale so you can buy and play with confidence.

We will cover what 28mm and 32mm really mean, how base sizes affect grid fit, and which WizKids lines are easiest to mix. You will also learn when a slightly larger miniature is fine and when it will cause problems at the table.

What Does 28mm Scale Actually Mean?

In tabletop gaming, 28mm scale usually means a typical human figure is about 28 millimeters tall from foot to eye level, not to the top of the head. This measurement is a rough standard, not a strict rule. Different manufacturers interpret it slightly differently, so two 28mm humans from different brands can look noticeably different next to each other.

What matters most for gameplay is the base. A 28mm human on a 25mm round base fits neatly inside a 1-inch grid square. If the base is larger, the figure will overlap adjacent squares and affect movement and line of sight. Always check base diameter first.

• Measure from the bottom of the base to the eyes for a rough scale check.
• A 25mm round base fits a 1-inch grid square; a 1-inch base is about 25.4mm.
• Scale is a guide, not a guarantee. Base size is the practical number.

28mm vs 32mm Miniatures: What Is the Difference?

The jump from 28mm to 32mm is small on paper, but it changes how figures look together. A 32mm human is roughly 14 percent taller than a 28mm human. That difference is noticeable when they stand side by side, but it rarely breaks a game unless you are strict about visual consistency.

Many modern miniatures, including some WizKids lines, lean toward 32mm for more detail and presence. If you mix 28mm and 32mm in the same warband, the larger figures will look like heroes or elites. That can be a feature, not a bug, if you plan for it.

• Use 32mm figures for bosses or leaders to make them stand out.
• Keep your player characters in the same scale family for a cohesive party.
• If you are unsure, buy one figure first and compare it to your existing collection.

Do Miniatures Fit D&D Grids?

Yes, most D&D-compatible miniatures fit standard 1-inch grids because they use bases sized to match. A Medium creature typically sits on a 25mm to 1-inch base, which occupies one square. Large creatures use a 2-inch base and take up four squares. The grid assumes base size, not figure height.

The main exception is when a miniature has an oversized base for stability or a dramatic pose. A human on a 30mm base will still fit a 1-inch square, but it may touch the edges. If your grid is printed with thick lines, that can cause slight crowding. Measure your grid squares if you play on a custom mat.

• Medium creatures: 25mm to 1-inch base, one square.
• Large creatures: 2-inch base, four squares.
• Check the base, not the scale, for grid compatibility.

How Do I Compare Scales Across WizKids Lines?

WizKids produces several miniature lines, and scale can vary by line. Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures are designed for RPG play and are generally compatible with standard D&D grids. Magic: The Gathering Unpainted Miniatures follow a similar design philosophy, with highly detailed figures primed and ready to paint. Both lines include deep cuts for easier painting and clear packaging so you can see what you are getting.

Because the catalog does not list exact millimeter heights for every figure, the safest approach is to check the base size and compare the figure to a known reference. If you already own a Nolzur's human, use that as your baseline. A new figure that stands a head taller may be 32mm or simply a larger creature.

• Use a known Nolzur's human as your personal scale reference.
• Check product packaging or listings for base size when available.
• When in doubt, ask the store or check community photos with a ruler.

When Does Scale Mismatch Actually Matter?

Scale mismatch matters most in competitive or grid-heavy play where every square counts. If a figure overhangs its base, it can block line of sight or make adjacency unclear. In casual games, a slightly larger or smaller figure is usually fine as long as everyone agrees on which square it occupies.

For painting and display, scale consistency is more about aesthetics. A 32mm figure next to a 28mm figure will look off if they are meant to be the same size. But if they are different creatures or characters, the difference can add variety. Decide whether you value visual uniformity or dramatic variety.

• Competitive play: prioritize base size and grid fit.
• Casual play: prioritize the figures you enjoy painting and using.
• Display: group similar scales for a cleaner look.

Miniature Scale FAQ

Will 32mm miniatures fit my D&D grid?

Usually yes, if the base is 25mm to 1 inch. The figure height does not determine grid fit. Check the base diameter before buying. Base size is the number that matters.

Can I mix 28mm and 32mm in one party?

You can, but the 32mm figures will look larger. This works well for bosses or elites. For a uniform party, stick to one scale family. Mix intentionally, not accidentally.

How do I measure a miniature's scale?

Measure from the bottom of the base to the figure's eyes in millimeters. That number is the approximate scale. A human at 28mm is 28mm scale. Eyes, not top of head.

Do WizKids miniatures come with bases?

Most WizKids miniatures include integrated or separate bases. The catalog does not list base sizes for every product, so check the packaging or ask before you buy. When base size is not listed, ask.

WizKids Miniatures That Illustrate Scale

• D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures: Human Barbarian Male: Comes with highly-detailed figures, primed and ready to paint out of the box. These fantastic miniatures include deep cuts for easier painting. A human figure is the best scale reference. This one shows you what 28mm looks like in practice and is ready to paint immediately.
• Magic the Gathering Unpainted Miniatures: Omnath: Comes with highly-detailed figures, primed and ready to paint out of the box. These fantastic miniatures include deep cuts for easier painting. A larger, dramatic figure like Omnath may use a bigger base. Check its base size if you plan to use it on a standard grid.
• D&D Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures: Goristro: Comes with highly-detailed figures, primed and ready to paint out of the box. These fantastic miniatures include deep cuts for easier painting. A huge monster like a Goristro will take up multiple squares. Knowing its base size helps you plan encounters and movement.

Scale does not have to be a guessing game. Check base size first, use a human figure as your reference, and decide whether you want uniform scale or dramatic variety. With that approach, your miniatures will fit your game and your table.