How Big is a 1/6 Scale Figure？

The size of a 1/6 scale figure is determined by reducing the dimensions of a real-life counterpart by six times. For instance, if a character in an anime is depicted as having a height of 180 cm, a 1/6 scale figure of that character would measure 30 cm in height (180 ÷ 6 = 30 cm). This scaling principle applies broadly to figures and models.

The concept of scale figures originated from the toy industry's history. The Barbie doll, introduced in 1959 by Mattel, established a standard height of 11.5 inches (approximately 29 cm), which became known as "Playscale." This standard was later adopted and modified by other companies, such as Hasbro, which introduced the G.I. Joe series for boys, also at 11.5 inches. However, the term "Sixscale" emerged to describe these action figures, emphasizing a more masculine branding.

In contrast, for other scaled models like a 1/100 Gundam model, the principle differs. A 1/100 scale means the model's height is 1/100th of the original. For example, if an anime Gundam is 18.08 meters tall, its 1/100 model would measure 18.08 cm in height. It is important to note that "1/100" indicates a reduction, while "100:1" would imply an enlargement, which is incorrect in this context.