Understanding RC Car Scale Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you prepared to explore the world of remote-controlled automobiles but are apprehensive due to the wide range of scale sizes? You're not alone, so don't worry!

Everything you need to know about RC car sizes will be covered in this extensive guide, including the measurements of various RC scale sizes and the operation of scale ratios. To assist you with visualizing the various vehicle sizes, we also provide an RC scale chart. Having stated that, let's dive right in and discover the intriguing realm of remote-controlled vehicle scales!

Why Do RC Scale Sizes Exist?

It's critical to comprehend RC car sizes in order to choose the ideal model for your requirements and tastes. Some RC models are created to appeal more to collectors, while the majority are made for competitive racing or for enjoyment. If RC cars are accurate reproductions of their full-size counterparts, they can keep their value for a long time and potentially fetch thousands of dollars, especially if they are no longer manufactured.

Many automakers will require that the models be appropriately sized before granting licenses to manufacturers of RC car replicas. It must therefore adhere to a similar ratio to the actual vehicle. For instance, if Ford consents to license the 1979 Ford F-150 Ranger's appearance for a limited-edition RC model, the agreement can specify that only 1/10 of the models are allowed for sale.

How Do RC Car Scale Ratios Work?

Let's take a time to learn about scale ratios before getting into the details of RC car sizes. Scale ratios in the context of remote-controlled cars refer to the proportion between the size of a genuine vehicle and its scaled-down equivalent. A 1/10 scale RC automobile, for instance, indicates that each inch on the model corresponds to ten inches on the real car.

Since a 1/1 RC model of the Bigfoot monster truck would be the same size as the actual one, it would be impossible to get a sense of the range. In contrast, a replica on a 1/28 scale would be no larger than a kid's toy. Larger scale copies are typically more accurate in the RC industry, though this isn't always the case.

Remember that the range of scale sizes may vary according on the particular RC car type you select. Given the large size difference between a real-life buggy and a monster truck, for example, it makes sense that a 1/10 scale RC buggy would be substantially smaller than a 1/10 scale monster truck.

RC Car Scale Size Chart

We've made an RC car size chart that shows the average lengths of the most popular RC car sizes in order to assist visualize these scale ratios.

How Big is a 1/5 Scale RC Car?

With unmatched speed, power, and durability, 1/5 scale RC cars are the ultimate in size and performance in the RC industry. These giants are about the size of a doormat or large suitcase, with a maximum length of three feet (one meter). They are made for harsh off-road conditions and can easily handle the most difficult terrain. An excellent illustration of this scale is the Traxxas X-Maxx, which displays the remarkable technical skills and capabilities of larger RC vehicles.

Dimensions of an average 1/5 size RC car:

• Length: 30-40 inches (76-102 cm)
• Width: 28-32 inches (71-81 cm)
• Height: 16-24 inches (41-61 cm)
• Weight: 10-40 pounds (5-18 kg)

How Big is a 1/8 Scale RC Car?

On the larger end of the range, 1/8 scale RC cars are usually 19 to 24 inches long, or about the size of your carry-on luggage. This makes them perfect for off-road racing and bashing aficionados looking for continuous, heart-pounding adventures because they have enough size to handle tough terrain and reach high speeds.

Dimensions of an average 1/8 size RC car:

• Length: 19-24 inches (48-61 cm)
• Width: 10-17 inches (25-43 cm)
• Height: 4-10 inches (10-25 cm)
• Weight: 5-20 pounds (2-9 kg)

How Big is a 1/10 Scale RC Car?

1/10 scale The normal length of an RC car is 17 to 22 inches, which is comparable to the size of a watermelon or a regular suitcase. They are therefore perfect for large indoor tracks or regular outdoor racing. These miniatures frequently have realistic proportions and fine detailing, just like their full-scale counterparts. For best results on the track, remember that the width shouldn't be more than 14 inches.

Average 1/10 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 17-22 inches (43-56 cm)
• Width: 8-14 inches (21-36 cm)
• Height: 5-9 inches (13-23 m)
• Weight: 3-12 pounds (1-6 kg)

How Big is a 1/12 Scale RC Car?

1/12 scale The typical length of an RC car is 14 to 17 inches, making it comparable in size to a bowling pin or a laptop computer. These versions are ideal for both indoor and outdoor racing circuits because they strike the ideal mix between size and agility. For their size, 1/12-scale RC cars have remarkable performance and detailed capabilities.

Average 1/12 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 14-17 inches (36-43 cm)
• Width: 7-8 inches (18-21 cm)
• Height: 4-5 inches (10-13 cm)
• Weight: 6-10 pounds (3-5 kg)

How Big is a 1/14 Scale RC Car?

A shoebox or a loaf of bread is comparable in size to 1/14 scale RC sizes, which range from 12 to 15 inches in length. These models, which have complex designs that closely resemble their full-size versions, are versatile for both indoor and outdoor racing. 1/14-scale RC cars are powerful, offering remarkable performance and accurate handling despite their somewhat smaller size.

Average 1/14 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 12-15 inches (30-38 cm)
• Width: 5-7 inches (12-18 cm)
• Height: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
• Weight: 4-6 pounds (2-3 kg)

How Big is a 1/16 Scale RC Car?

1/16 scale Because they perfectly blend size and performance, RC cars are among the most popular sizes among RC fans. They are around the size of a basketball or dinner plate, with an average length of 9 to 13 inches. These types are perfect for both indoor and outdoor racing because they have a small yet noticeable presence on the track. Additionally, they exhibit remarkable speed and agility while maintaining their manageability and portability.

Average 1/16 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 9-13 inches (22-33 cm)
• Width: 3-5 inches (7-13 cm)
• Height: 3-4 inches (8-10 cm)
• Weight: 3-4 pounds (1-2 kg)

How Big is a 1/18 Scale RC Car?

Typically, 1/18 scale RC cars are 8 to 10 inches long, which is around the size of a hardcover book or a soccer ball. For RC fans seeking a more portable and adaptable solution, this makes them perfect. With their remarkable speed and agility, these models perform well both indoors and outdoors. Even though 1/18-scale RC cars are smaller than 1/10 and 1/16 models, they nevertheless have realistic designs and sturdy construction.

Average 1/18 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
• Width: 3-4 inches (7-10 cm)
• Height: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
• Weight: 2-3 pounds (1-2 kg)

How Big is a 1/24 Scale RC Car?

On the lower end of the spectrum, 1/24 scale RC cars are usually just 4 to 8 inches long, or about the size of a banana or a dollar note. They are therefore ideal for RC fans looking for a more portable choice for visiting various indoor racetracks and smaller outdoor courses. Because of their lightweight construction, 1/24-scale RC cars have astonishing speed and acceleration, precision control, and agile handling despite their small size.

Average 1/24 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 4-8 inches (10-20 cm)
• Width: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
• Height: 2-3 inches (5-7 cm)
• Weight: 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg)

How Big is a 1/28 Scale RC Car?

RC cars in the 1/28 scale are tiny vehicles that are only 3 to 5 inches long. They are perfect for people looking for a hobby that won't take up a lot of room because they are around the size of a credit card or a can of soda. With their sensitive controls and snappy handling, these little models do exceptionally well on indoor tracks. For RC enthusiasts of all ages, 1/28-scale RC cars offer several hours of fun due to their realistic designs and robust construction, even though they are small in size.

Average 1/28 scale RC car dimensions:

• Length: 3-5 inches (7-13 cm)
• Width: 2-3 inches (5-7 cm)
• Height: 1-2 inches (2-5 cm)
• Weight: 0.5-1 pound (0.25-0.5 kg)