RC Car Scale: The Guide to Choosing the Right Size (1/8, 1/10, 1/16...)
📅 Updated and expanded on November 12, 2025
1/10, 1/8, 1/16... In the jungle of RC cars, the scale is the first number you see, and often the most confusing. Is it big? Is it small? Is it suitable for my garden? Choosing the wrong scale guarantees disappointment: a car that's too small for the terrain or too big and fast for the available space.
This guide is here to demystify scales once and for all. We'll give you concrete dimensions, visual comparisons, and practical advice so you can choose the perfect size for your future machine. No more doubts, just informed choice.
📐 1. What is a Scale in RC Modeling?
Scale is a simple mathematical ratio: it's a fraction that indicates how many times smaller the model is than the real vehicle it replicates. It's the universal language of model making, used worldwide to describe the size of a model.
🧮 Calculation Explained Simply
A 1/10 scale RC car (pronounced "one tenth") means that it is 10 times smaller than the real vehicle in all dimensions: length, width, and height.
💡 Concrete Example with Numbers:
- A true off-road buggy measures 4.50 meters long (450 cm)
- Its 1/10 scale RC version will measure: 450 cm ÷ 10 = 45 cm long
- Its 1/8 scale RC version will measure: 450 cm ÷ 8 = 56 cm long
- Its 1/16 scale RC version will measure: 450 cm ÷ 16 = 28 cm long
🎯 Simple rule to remember: The smaller the number after the "/", the bigger the remote control car! So 1/8 is bigger than 1/10, which is itself bigger than 1/16.
📏 Visualization: What is the Actual Size?
To give you some concrete points of reference, here is what each scale represents compared to everyday objects:
| Ladder | Typical Length | Comparable to... |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 80-90 cm | A long skateboard |
| 1/8 | 50-70 cm | A computer keyboard and mouse |
| 1/10 | 35-55 cm | An A3 sheet of paper |
| 1/16 | 20-30 cm | An iPad tablet |
| 1/24 | 15-20 cm | A large smartphone |
🔍 2. The Visual Guide to the Most Popular Ladders
Here are the details of the ladders you will most often encounter, with their precise dimensions, typical uses and technical characteristics.
🏆 1/5 Scale: The RC Giant
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Typical size: 80 to 90 cm long, weight 12-20 kg
- Ideal for: Very large spaces (fields, motocross tracks), expert riders, shows
- Common engine options: 2-stroke internal combustion engines (23cc to 32cc) or 8S electric motors
- Typical budget: €800-2000 (model + accessories)
✅ Advantages: Impressive presence, exceptional off-road capability, ultimate stability at high speed, realistic sound and driving sensations.
❌ Disadvantages: Very expensive to buy and maintain, requires a vehicle for transport, reserved for experienced pilots, prohibited in many public spaces.
🚀 1/8 Scale: Power and Performance
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Typical size: 50 to 70 cm long, weight 4-6 kg
- Ideal for: Large gardens, parks, motocross tracks, intense bashing, competition
- Common motor options: 4S-6S Brushless Electric (2200-2700 KV) or Nitro Internal Combustion Engine (0.21 to 0.28)
- Top speed: 60-80 km/h depending on configuration
- Typical budget: €400-800
✅ Advantages: Very stable at high speed, impressive crossing capabilities (high grass, obstacles), increased robustness, imposing presence, used in official competition.
❌ Disadvantages: Requires a lot of space (minimum 50×50m to operate), more expensive to buy and in parts, more expensive batteries and motors, heavier to transport.
⚡ Important note: To understand the differences between motors and choose between electric and thermal for this scale, consult our detailed electric or thermal guide.
⭐ 1/10 Scale: Ultimate Versatility
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Typical size: 35 to 55 cm long, weight 1.5-3 kg
- Ideal for: Beginners, medium-sized gardens, parks, clubs, all disciplines (track, off-road, drift, crawling)
- Common motor types: 2S-3S Brushless Electric (3000-4500 KV) or 540 Brushed
- Top speed: 40-70 km/h depending on the model
- Typical budget: €150-400
✅ Advantages: Excellent compromise between size/performance/price , huge choice of models (buggies, truggies, tricks, crawlers, drift), maximum availability of spare parts, very accessible budget, easy to transport.
❌ Disadvantages: Less comfortable in very tall grass (>15cm) or very rough terrain than a 1/8 scale, limited ground clearance for extreme crawling.
🎯 The perfect choice to start with: If you're a beginner or giving an RC car as a gift, 1/10 scale is THE ideal starting point . It's the most widespread scale in the world (approximately 70% of the market). Discover our selection in the complete beginner's guide .
🏡 1/14, 1/16, 1/18 scales: The versatile "Mini RC"
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Typical size: 20 to 30 cm long, weight 0.5-1.5 kg
- Ideal for: Small gardens, courtyards, indoor use (gymnasium, basement), young pilots (8-12 years old)
- Common motor type: 370/380W brushed electric or small 2S brushless
- Top speed: 25-40 km/h
- Typical budget: €80-200
✅ Advantages: Easy to carry (fits in a backpack), cheaper to buy and maintain, less dangerous in case of impact (child safety), economical small size batteries, can ride on mowed lawn.
❌ Disadvantages: Very limited off-road capabilities (grass >5cm, gravel, obstacles), more fragile (thin plastics), fewer choice of spare parts, reduced autonomy (10-15 min).
👶 Perfect for young pilots: These ladders are ideal for introducing children aged 8 to 12 to RC piloting without intimidating them with an overly powerful machine.
🏠 1/24, 1/27, 1/28 scales: The "Micro RC" Indoor
📊 Technical Specifications:
- Typical size: 15 to 20 cm long, weight 80-200g
- Ideal for: Exclusive indoor use (living room, office), on carpet, parquet or smooth tile
- Common motorization: Ultra-compact mini electric motors, brushed or brushless.
- Top speed: 15-30 km/h (actual speed = feels like 150-300 km/h!)
- Typical budget: €60-250 (high-end "Mini-Z" models can reach €350)
✅ Advantages: Can be used anywhere in the house in all weather, ultra-detailed and realistic (licensed bodies), technical and precise driving, perfect for collecting, active community (Mini-Z racing).
❌ Disadvantages: Cannot be driven outdoors at all (even the smallest grain of sand will cause it to block), very specific and niche, spare parts sometimes expensive and difficult to find, requires a perfectly smooth surface.
🏁 The "Mini-Z" domain: This scale is dominated by the Kyosho brand and its famous Mini-Z range, a world benchmark in precision micro RC. Ideal for apartments and collectors.
📊 3. Quick Comparative Table of Scales
Here is a summary table to compare all the scales at a glance according to your main criteria.
💰 Legend Budget: € = 60-150€ | €€ = 150-350€ | €€€ = 350-800€ | €€€€ = €800+
🎯 4. How to Choose the Right Scale FOR YOU?
Choosing the right scale isn't a matter of "better" or "worst," but rather one that suits your personal situation . Ask yourself these essential questions to identify the perfect scale.
📍 Question 1: Where will you mainly be riding?
This is THE determining factor . A scale that is not suited to the terrain will make the experience frustrating.
🌳 Large garden, field, forest, rough terrain?
Opt for 1/10 (minimum) or 1/8 (ideal). Their large wheels (100-120mm diameter) and high ground clearance (20-40mm) are necessary to tackle tall grass, stones, branches and ruts.
💡 Tip: If your grass regularly exceeds 10cm in height, opt for a 1/8 scale which will easily handle it.
🏡 Small garden, asphalt courtyard, parking lot, driveway?
A 1/16 or 1/14 scale will be more fun, easier to handle, and better suited to the available space. It offers precise and responsive handling on smooth surfaces.
🏠 For indoor use only (living room, office, apartment)?
1/24 , 1/27 , or 1/28 is the only viable and consistent choice. Any larger scale will be too big, too fast, and potentially destructive to your furniture.
🏆 RC racing track, club, competition?
The official competition scales are 1/8 (Off-road Buggy/Truggy) and 1/10 (2WD/4WD Buggy, Touring Track). Adhere to the regulations of your category.
💰 Question 2: What is your level and your budget?
The budget is not limited to the purchase price. Operating and maintenance costs must also be considered.
| Ladder | Initial Purchase | Replacement Battery | Annual Maintenance Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | €400-800 | 50-80€ | 150-300€ |
| 1/10 | €150-400 | 25-45€ | 80-150€ |
| 1/16 | 80-200€ | 15-25€ | 40-80€ |
| 1/24 | 60-250€ | 10-20€ | 30-60€ |
* Estimate for regular recreational use (40-50 outings/year) including wear parts, oils and routine repairs.
🎯 For a first purchase on a budget: The 1/10 scale objectively offers the best value for money and versatility. It's the scale with which 80% of RC pilots started.
👤 Question 3: Who is the RC car for?
The pilot's age and experience directly influence the choice of ladder for reasons of safety and enjoyment.
👶 Young child (6-10 years old):
A smaller scale ( 1/16 or 1/18 ) is safer, slower (25-35 km/h max), less intimidating, and easier to control. The reduced weight (less than 1 kg) makes impacts less dangerous.
- ✅ Develops hand-eye coordination
- ✅ Less risk of costly breakage
- ✅ Affordable budget to test the interest
🧒 Pre-teen/teenager (11-16 years old):
1/10 is the perfect starting point. Impressive enough to captivate, accessible enough to master quickly, with real possibilities for evolution (motor upgrades, brushless, 3S).
👨 Adult beginner or enthusiast:
Start with 1/10 to discover all facets of the hobby (maintenance, adjustments, piloting), then move up to 1/8 if you are looking for more thrills and raw performance.
🏆 Experienced Driver / Competitor:
Your scale will depend on your preferred discipline and the racing categories available in your region. 1/8 and 1/10 scales dominate international competition.
⚖️ 5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Scale
To help you make your decision, here is a concise summary of the pros and cons of each major scale.
1/8 scale
✅ Key Features:
- High performance and speed
- Exceptional stability
- Maximum crossing
- Increased robustness
❌ Weak Points:
- High price (purchase + maintenance)
- Requires large spaces
- Heavy and bulky
- High battery consumption
1/10 scale ⭐
✅ Key Features:
- Maximum versatility
- Huge selection of models
- Parts everywhere and cheap
- Very affordable budget
- Ideal for beginners
❌ Weak Points:
- Less efficient than a 1/8
- Limited in very tall grass
1/16 scale
✅ Key Features:
- Compact and portable
- Low price
- Child safety
- Economic batteries
❌ Weak Points:
- Very limited off-road capability
- More fragile
- Limited selection of parts
- Short battery life (10-15 minutes)
Scale 1/24-1/28
✅ Key Features:
- All-weather indoor use
- Ultra-detailed and realistic
- Precise technical management
- Ideal for collectors
❌ Weak Points:
- Exclusive interior (0 exterior)
- Very specific and niche
- Pieces that are sometimes rare/expensive
- Smooth surface required
❓ 6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Scales
🎯 What is the best scale for an absolute beginner?
Without hesitation, the 1/10 scale. Here's why it's universally popular:
- Versatility: Works everywhere (garden, park, track) and for all disciplines
- Affordable price: Quality models from €150-200, inexpensive spare parts
- Availability: Parts available in all model shops and online
- Scalability: Numerous possibilities for progressive upgrades (motor, battery, suspension)
- Community: Very active tutorials, forums, and clubs to help you
📖 To learn more: Consult our complete beginner's guide which incorporates this scale criterion into an overview.
🚀 Is a larger scale always faster?
Not necessarily. Speed depends on several factors beyond scale:
- Motor power: A 1/10 scale car with a 4500 KV brushless motor and 3S battery can reach 80 km/h
- Gear ratio: A 1/8 gear set for acceleration will be slower than a 1/10 gear set for pure speed
- Weight: A lightweight 1/10 scale model (1.5 kg) accelerates faster than a heavy 1/8 scale model (5 kg).
- Aerodynamics: A streamlined 1/10 scale track body achieves higher speeds than a 1/8 scale monster truck
💡 What is true: With equal power and configuration, a larger scale will always be more stable at high speed and more comfortable on rough terrain thanks to its greater mass and ground clearance.
🔋 Can I use the same batteries for different scales?
Rarely, and it's not recommended. Each scale has specific energy requirements:
| Ladder | Typical Voltage | Recommended Capacity | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 4S-6S (14.8-22.2V) | 5000-8000 mAh | XT90, EC5 |
| 1/10 | 2S-3S (7.4-11.1V) | 3000-5000 mAh | XT60, Deans, EC3 |
| 1/16 | 2S (7.4V) | 1500-2500 mAh | Micro JST, SM |
| 1/24 | 1S (3.7V) | 300-800 mAh | JST micro, Molex |
⚠️ Danger: Using a battery with an incorrect voltage can instantly destroy your ESC and motor. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications.
📏 How do I accurately measure the scale of my RC car?
If the scale is not indicated on your model, you can easily calculate it:
- Measure your RC car: Overall length in centimeters (example: 45 cm)
- Identify the real vehicle: Research the dimensions of the real vehicle (example: Jeep Wrangler = 450 cm)
- Calculate the scale: Divide the actual size by the RC size → 450 ÷ 45 = 10 → Scale 1/10
💡 Quick tip: On most models, the scale is printed on the body, chassis or indicated in the user manual.
🏡 What is the minimum garden size for each ladder?
To fully exploit the potential of your RC car, here are the recommended spaces:
- 1/24-1/28: Interior only (a 4x5m living room is sufficient)
- 1/16: Minimum 10×10 meters (small garden, courtyard)
- 1/10: Minimum 15×15 meters (standard garden) – Ideal 25×25m
- 1/8: Minimum 30×30 meters (large garden, park) – Ideal 50×50m
- 1/5: Minimum 50×50 meters (field, private land)
⚠️ Important: These dimensions are minimums for driving. To really have fun (turns, jumps, tracks), add 30-50% more space. When in doubt, always go for the smaller size.
🎨 Do all scales have as many choices of bodywork and accessories?
No, availability varies greatly depending on the scale. Here is the ranking by ecosystem richness:
🥇 Champion: 1/10 scale
- Hundreds of different body styles (buggies, trucks, crawlers, drift cars)
- Spare parts available everywhere (physical stores and online)
- Unlimited accessories (tires, rims, spoiler, LED lights)
- Multiple brands = competitive prices
🥈 Very good: 1/8 scale
- Good choice of bodywork (especially competition buggy/truggy)
- Parts available but more expensive
- Performance/competition-oriented market
🥉 Correct: 1/16 and 1/24 scales
- Limited choice of body styles
- Specific parts that are sometimes hard to find
- Prices are sometimes disproportionate (niche effect)
🎯 Conclusion: Size Matters, But Not Only!
As you've probably gathered, choosing the right scale is a fundamental step that will determine your entire piloting experience. It's not a question of "better" or "worse," but of finding the perfect match between your constraints and your desires .
By honestly assessing your playing field, your budget, and the pilot's profile, you are now able to make an informed and confident choice. The 1/10 scale remains the safest and most versatile entry point for 90% of situations, but don't hesitate to aim higher if space and passion allow!
To put this knowledge into practice and refine your choice, feel free to consult our ultimate guide to choosing the best remote control car , which integrates this scale criterion into a complete overview (motorization, terrain, budget, brands).
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