How Big Is a 1:24 Scale Model Car?｜Complete Size Guide for Collectors
If you’re new to diecast car collecting, you’ve probably seen the term “1:24 scale” on boxes or product pages—but what exactly does it mean? In this post, we’ll break down the real size of a 1:24 model car, how it compares to other scales, and what to expect when buying or displaying one.
📏 What Does 1:24 Scale Mean?
The 1:24 scale means that the model car is 1/24th the size of the actual vehicle it replicates. In simple terms:
1 inch on the model = 24 inches (2 feet) on the real car
So, if the real car is about 4.8 meters (≈189 inches) long, the 1:24 model will be around 7.8 to 8 inches (≈20 cm) long.
📐 Typical Dimensions of a 1:24 Model Car
| Feature |
Size (approx.) |
|
Length |
7.5 – 8.5 inches (19–22 cm) |
|
Width |
3 – 3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm) |
|
Height |
2.5 – 3 inches (6–7.5 cm) |
These measurements can vary slightly based on the vehicle type (e.g., SUV vs. sports car).
🔍 How Does It Compare to Other Scales?
| Scale |
Size Example |
Notes |
|
1:18 |
~10–12 inches |
Very detailed, needs more space |
|
1:24 |
~8 inches |
Great balance between size & detail |
|
1:32 |
~5–6 inches |
Compact, often less detailed |
|
1:64 |
~2.5–3 inches |
Smallest, ideal for casual display |
🧲 Why Choose 1:24 Scale?
-
✅ Perfect Display Size – Big enough to show detail, small enough to fit shelves
-
✅ Affordable – Usually cheaper than 1:18 but with impressive detail
-
✅ Great for Dioramas – Fits perfectly into custom garages or street setups
🛒 Want to Start Your Collection?
Check out our curated collection of 1:24 scale diecast cars including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz at: