HO Scale to N Scale Conversion
The usual reason to convert between HO and N is space: N scale fits a full layout with real scenery into a bookshelf, while HO has the deeper catalog of locomotives and structures. Modelers outgrowing a small N layout size up to HO for detail, and HO modelers tight on room size down to N for a second, more compact layout.
To convert a model dimension from HO Scale (1:87) to N Scale (1:160), multiply it by 0.5437 (87 ÷ 160). The result is a smaller model — every length, width, and height changes by the same factor.
Conversion Chart
| HO Scale size (mm) | N Scale size (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 mm | 0.54 mm |
| 2 mm | 1.09 mm |
| 5 mm | 2.72 mm |
| 10 mm | 5.44 mm |
| 20 mm | 10.88 mm |
| 50 mm | 27.19 mm |
| 100 mm | 54.37 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert HO Scale to N Scale?
Multiply any HO Scale model dimension by 0.5437 to get the N Scale dimension. This works because HO Scale is 1:87 and N Scale is 1:160, so the factor is 87 ÷ 160 = 0.5437.
Is N Scale bigger or smaller than HO Scale?
N Scale models are smaller: the same subject is only 0.5437× the size in each dimension compared to HO Scale.
Keep Exploring
Reverse: N Scale to HO Scale · HO Scale (1:87) guide · N Scale (1:160) guide · Full calculator