Z Scale (1:220) Calculator & Conversion Chart
Briefcase layout scale · 0.455% of real size
Z scale is the smallest mainstream railway scale — famously small enough for working layouts inside briefcases and guitar cases. At 1:220 a scale mile is under 7.5 m, so continuous-run mainlines fit where N scale cannot.
Precision Scale Conversion Calculator
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Z Scale (1:220) Quick Facts
- 1 real foot = 0.055″ (1.39 mm) on the model
- 1 real meter = 4.55 mm on the model
- A 6 ft (183 cm) person = 8.3 mm (0.33″) tall
- Model is 0.455% of real size — use this as the scale percentage in 3D-print slicers
Z Scale (1:220) Reference Chart
| Real Size | mm | cm | inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 0.115 mm | 0.012 cm | 0.005″ |
| 1 foot | 1.4 mm | 0.139 cm | 0.055″ |
| 6 ft (person) | 8.3 mm | 0.831 cm | 0.327″ |
| 1 meter | 4.5 mm | 0.455 cm | 0.179″ |
| 3 m (room height) | 13.6 mm | 1.36 cm | 0.537″ |
| 10 meters | 45.5 mm | 4.55 cm | 1.79″ |
| 30 m (building) | 136.4 mm | 13.64 cm | 5.369″ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Z scale in mm, cm, and inches?
In Z Scale (1:220), 1 unit on the model equals 220 of the same unit in real life. One real foot equals 0.055 inches (1.39 mm) on the model, one real meter equals 4.55 mm (0.45 cm), and the model is 0.455% of real size.
How tall is a 6 ft person in Z Scale (1:220)?
A 6-foot (183 cm) person stands 8.3 mm (0.33 inches) tall in Z Scale (1:220).
How do I convert a real measurement to Z Scale (1:220)?
Divide the real measurement by 220. For example, a 10 m object is 45.5 mm long in Z Scale (1:220). The calculator on this page does this automatically in both directions.