Where is scale hiding in LEGO Games scale models?

Quick answer

Scale is the relationship between a model and the real object. In LEGO Games, you can find scale by comparing the size of a LEGO model to the real-life object it represents.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to compare the size of a LEGO model to a real object and work out the scale ratio using simple multiplication and division.

Success signs:

• You can say how many LEGO bricks long a real object is.
• You can find the scale ratio between a model and the real thing.
• You can use scale to predict how big something would be in real life.
• You can build a simple model using scale.

Why this matters

Understanding scale helps you think about how things look and fit together. It’s used in building, games, maps, art, and even in real-life situations like planning a garden or designing a house. When you play LEGO Games, you're already using scale without realising it!

How it works

Scale is a way to show how much bigger or smaller something is compared to another. If a LEGO car is 10 times smaller than a real car, the scale is 1:10. This means 1 LEGO unit = 10 real units.

Here’s how to work with scale:

1. Measure the real object and the LEGO model.
2. Divide the real size by the model size to find the scale ratio.
3. Use this ratio to work out how big something is in real life.

Examples you can see

Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. The real castle is 100 metres tall. Your LEGO castle is 10 centimetres tall. To find the scale:

So the scale is 1:1,000. This means 1 LEGO unit = 1,000 real units.

Ages 4-6: Use LEGO bricks to build a small tower and compare it to a real object like a pencil or a toy car. Ask: "How many times taller is the real car than the LEGO car?"

Ages 7-9: Draw a LEGO train and compare its length to a real train. If the real train is 50 metres and the LEGO train is 5 cm, the scale is 1:1,000.

Ages 10-12: Calculate the scale of a LEGO house compared to a real house. If the real house is 12 metres wide and the LEGO house is 30 cm, the scale is 1:40.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on a LEGO scale quest! You are a LEGO architect building a model city. You have a LEGO bus that is 15 cm long. The real bus is 12 metres long. You need to find the scale ratio to make sure your model fits in your city!

Step 1: Measure the real bus: 12 metres = 1,200 cm

Step 2: Measure the LEGO bus: 15 cm

Step 3: Divide the real size by the model size: 1,200 ÷ 15 = 80

Step 4: The scale is 1:80. This means 1 LEGO unit = 80 real units.

Challenge: If your LEGO bus is 15 cm long, how long would a real bus be?

Answer: 15 × 80 = 1,200 cm = 12 metres

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Forgetting to convert units (e.g. using cm and metres together).
• Why it happens: Not thinking about how to compare different units.
• Fix: Always convert everything to the same unit before dividing.
• Mistake: Dividing the wrong way around (model ÷ real instead of real ÷ model).
• Why it happens: Confusing which number is bigger or smaller.
• Fix: Remember that the scale shows how much smaller the model is.
• Mistake: Thinking that 1:10 means the model is 10 times bigger.
• Why it happens: Not understanding what the colon (:) means in ratios.
• Fix: 1:10 means 1 LEGO unit = 10 real units, so the model is smaller.

Parent and carer guide

Help your child explore scale using everyday objects:

• Use a LEGO car and a real car to compare sizes. Ask questions like: "How many LEGO cars would fit in the real car?"
• Draw a scale picture of your child’s room and then measure it to find the scale.
• Play a game: "What scale would we use to build a LEGO house that fits in your bedroom?"
• Don’t worry if they get confused at first. Scale can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier.
• Use real-life examples like a map or a recipe to show how scale is used in daily life.

Practice questions

1. Question: A real tree is 20 metres tall. A LEGO tree is 5 cm tall. What is the scale ratio?
2. Answer: 20 m = 2,000 cm. 2,000 ÷ 5 = 400. Scale is 1:400.
3. Question: A LEGO boat is 12 cm long. The real boat is 24 metres long. What is the scale?
4. Answer: 24 m = 2,400 cm. 2,400 ÷ 12 = 200. Scale is 1:200.
5. Question: A real car is 4 metres long. The scale is 1:50. How long is the LEGO car?
6. Answer: 4 m = 400 cm. 400 ÷ 50 = 8 cm. LEGO car is 8 cm long.
7. Question: A LEGO bridge is 10 cm long. The real bridge is 100 metres long. What is the scale?
8. Answer: 100 m = 10,000 cm. 10,000 ÷ 10 = 1,000. Scale is 1:1,000.
9. Question: A real building is 50 metres tall. A LEGO building is 25 cm tall. What is the scale?
10. Answer: 50 m = 5,000 cm. 5,000 ÷ 25 = 200. Scale is 1:200.

FAQ

What is scale in LEGO Games?

Scale is how much smaller or bigger a LEGO model is compared to the real object it shows. For example, a 1:10 scale means 1 LEGO unit equals 10 real units.

How do I find the scale of a LEGO model?

Measure the real object and the LEGO model. Then divide the real size by the model size to get the scale ratio.

Why is scale important in LEGO Games?

Scale helps you understand how big things really are and how they fit together. It makes your LEGO builds more realistic and fun!

Can I use scale with any LEGO set?

Yes! You can use scale with any LEGO set. Just compare your model to the real thing it represents.

How can I practice scale at home?

Try comparing your LEGO models to real objects like toys, furniture, or even your own body. Measure them and work out the scale ratio!