--- title: How to Choose the Right Scale for an Architectural Model url: https://www.shsztmodel.com/insights/architectural-model-scale-guide/ description: A practical guide to architectural model scales — from 1:20 interiors to 1:5000 city masterplans — with a table of typical uses and a formula to size your model. updated: 2026-10-14 --- Guides · 14 Oct 2026 · 3 min read # How to Choose the Right Scale for an Architectural Model A practical guide to architectural model scales — from 1:20 interiors to 1:5000 city masterplans — with a table of typical uses and a formula to size your model. By the SZT Model project team · Reviewed by David Wang On this page - [The short answer](#the-short-answer) - [Standard architectural model scales and what they are used for](#standard-architectural-model-scales-and-what-they-are-used-for) - [Five questions that decide the scale](#five-questions-that-decide-the-scale) - [Use the calculator](#use-the-calculator) - [When to break the rules](#when-to-break-the-rules) **Short answer:** Choose an architectural model scale by dividing the real site dimensions by the largest table your space can hold, then rounding to the nearest standard scale. Typical choices are 1:20–1:50 for interiors, 1:100–1:200 for single buildings, 1:300–1:500 for residential masterplans and 1:1000–1:5000 for city planning. The scale of a model decides almost everything else: how much detail is visible, how big the display table is, how many crates it ships in and, ultimately, the budget. Getting it right early saves weeks of redesign. ## The short answer Divide the longest side of your site by the longest table you can fit, then round **up** to the next standard scale. A 400 m long site in a room that can take a 2 m table needs at least 1:200 (400 ÷ 2 = 200). If the room only allows 1.2 m, go to 1:500. ## Standard architectural model scales and what they are used for | Scale | 1 metre on site = | Typical use | | 1:20 – 1:30 | 33–50 mm | Furnished interiors, show-flat details | | 1:50 | 20 mm | Apartment unit models, villas, lobbies | | 1:100 | 10 mm | Single buildings with facade detail | | 1:150 – 1:200 | 5–6.7 mm | Towers, small mixed-use blocks | | 1:300 – 1:500 | 2–3.3 mm | Residential masterplans, sales gallery sand tables | | 1:750 – 1:1000 | 1–1.3 mm | Large districts, campuses, resorts | | 1:2000 – 1:5000 | 0.2–0.5 mm | City planning exhibition halls | ## Five questions that decide the scale - **What must the viewer understand?** A buyer choosing an apartment needs to see balconies and window lines (1:100–1:200). A city official reviewing a district needs road hierarchy and massing (1:1000+). - **How far away will people stand?** Detail smaller than about 1 mm disappears beyond arm’s length. If visitors view from a rail 1.5 m away, design for that distance. - **How tall is the tallest building?** A 300 m tower at 1:200 is 1.5 m tall — beautiful, but it may clash with ceiling lights or sightlines. - **Can it get through the door?** Large tables ship in sections. Sections above roughly 1.2 × 2.4 m become hard to crate, fly and carry into a building. - **Do several models need to match?** If a masterplan and a feature tower sit in the same gallery, pick scales with a simple ratio (e.g. 1:500 and 1:100) so the story stays coherent. ## Use the calculator Our free [model size calculator](https://www.shsztmodel.com/tools/model-size-calculator/) converts site dimensions and building height into model size, table size and an estimated crate count for every standard scale — and works backwards from the table size you have. ## When to break the rules Exhibition models sometimes use a *vertical exaggeration* on terrain so gentle slopes remain readable at 1:2000. Sales galleries sometimes build a non-standard scale (1:250, 1:350) to fill an existing table exactly. Both are fine, as long as everyone involved knows the scale and it is printed on the model plaque. If you are unsure, [send us your drawings](https://www.shsztmodel.com/contact/) and the floor plan of the display space. We will recommend a scale with your quotation. Keep reading ## More *insights* [Guides22 Sept 20263 min ### What Determines the Cost of an Architectural Model? The seven factors that drive architectural model pricing — size, scale, detail, landscape, lighting, motion and logistics — and how to brief a model maker for an accurate quote.](https://www.shsztmodel.com/insights/architectural-model-cost-factors/)[Technology30 Aug 20263 min ### 3D Printing vs CNC vs Handcraft in Architectural Model Making How modern model makers combine large-format 3D printing, CNC engraving, laser cutting, UV printing and hand finishing — and which technique suits which part of a model.](https://www.shsztmodel.com/insights/3d-printing-vs-cnc-model-making/)[Logistics18 Jul 20263 min ### How to Ship an Architectural Model Internationally How large architectural models are sectioned, crated, shipped by air or sea, cleared through customs and reassembled on site — a checklist for overseas developers.](https://www.shsztmodel.com/insights/shipping-architectural-models-internationally/) Start a project ## Have drawings? Get a quote in *24 hours*. Send plans, a 3D model or just a rendering. A project manager replies within one working day with a recommended scale, an itemised quotation and a dated schedule. [Request a quote](https://www.shsztmodel.com/contact/)[WhatsApp David Wang](https://wa.me/8613588680098)