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Sci-fi Wargame Est. 1987

Warhammer 40,000

Warhammer 40,000 is the dominant sci-fi tabletop wargame, pitting Space Marines, Chaos forces, Orks, Eldar, and dozens of other factions against each other in the 41st millennium. Modern kits since 2017 (Primaris range) sit squarely at 32mm heroic scale, while older Firstborn models measure closer to 28mm true scale.

Scale Details

Miniature Scale
32mm
Ratio Equivalent
1:50
Measurement
eye level
Eye Level Height
32.0mm

Games Workshop uses heroic proportions — heads, hands, and weapons are intentionally oversized so details read at arm's length. A Primaris Space Marine stands roughly 32mm to eye level, while a Firstborn Marine measures about 28mm. Mixing the two on the same table is noticeable but acceptable for casual play.

Publisher: Games Workshop · Base Sizes: 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm

Scale Conversions for 40k

Slicer percentages for converting between Warhammer 40,000 and other common miniature scales.

Conversion Description Slicer %
28mm → 32mm Firstborn to Primaris 114.3%
32mm → 28mm Primaris to Firstborn 87.5%
32mm → 40mm Standard to Terminator 125.0%
32mm → 75mm Tabletop to Display 234.4%

3D Printing Tips for 40k

0.2mm nozzle at 0.06mm layer height gives the best facial detail on infantry. Rank-and-file units print well at 0.4mm nozzle and 0.08mm layers. Vehicles and terrain tolerate 0.12mm layers without visible quality loss. Orient character models upright; vehicles can be printed at 45° for fewer supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What scale is Warhammer 40,000?
Warhammer 40,000 miniatures are 32mm scale (1:50 ratio), measured eye level. Games Workshop uses heroic proportions — heads, hands, and weapons are intentionally oversized so details read at arm's length. A Primaris Space Marine stands roughly 32mm to eye level, while a Firstborn Marine measures about 28mm. Mixing the two on the same table is noticeable but acceptable for casual play.
What base sizes does Warhammer 40,000 use?
Warhammer 40,000 uses the following base sizes: 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm.
What nozzle and layer height should I use for Warhammer 40,000 miniatures?
0.2mm nozzle at 0.06mm layer height gives the best facial detail on infantry. Rank-and-file units print well at 0.4mm nozzle and 0.08mm layers. Vehicles and terrain tolerate 0.12mm layers without visible quality loss. Orient character models upright; vehicles can be printed at 45° for fewer supports.

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