Choosing the Right Base Size for Your Scale Model Figures
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: Buying Guides
A practical guide to scale model base sizes: when to use 25mm vs 28mm bases, how round and octagonal bases differ, and how movement trays lock your frontage in.
Quick answer
Pick your base size from the rules you actually play, not from the figure's feet: most 28mm wargames expect 25mm round bases for standard infantry, while 28mm bases suit larger or more heavily equipped figures. If your army moves in ranked units, choose the base first and then buy a movement tray whose frontage matches it, because a tray cannot fix a base that is already wrong.
Measure the figure, not the box art
Base sizing starts with three measurements: the width of the figure's stance, how far weapons or cloaks overhang, and the depth of the whole silhouette. A figure whose feet fit a 25mm round base can still overhang badly once a spear, shield or trailing coat is added. Place the figure on a scrap of card, trace the outline, and measure the widest point. If the silhouette exceeds the base by more than a few millimetres, step up a size or accept that the model will lean over its neighbours in a ranked unit.
Round, square and octagonal bases compared
Round bases are the default for skirmish games and single-character models because they have no corners to catch on terrain and they rotate freely for line of sight. Square bases give a consistent frontage for ranked units and make measuring unit widths simple, but they are less forgiving on uneven ground. Octagonal bases sit between the two: the flat edges give you a defined front facing for ranked movement, while the trimmed corners reduce the snagging that square corners cause. There is no universal winner; the shape should follow how your rules measure movement and combat.
How movement trays change the decision
A movement tray only works if the base size and the tray frontage agree. Trays are listed as columns (width) by ranks (depth), so a tray described as 5x2 holds five figures across and two deep. If you want figures on 25x25mm bases to line up with a 30x30mm frontage, conversion trays centre each smaller base inside the larger footprint. Decide whether you are matching an existing army's frontage or standardising a new one before you buy trays in bulk.
Base height, material and finish
Base height matters more than most buyers expect. A thicker base raises the figure's eye line and can make ranked units look uneven if you mix heights within one unit. MDF bases take textured paint and sand well and stay flat, while resin bases often carry sculpted detail but can vary slightly in thickness. Keep one base height per unit and note that base height options are not always listed for every product, so check what is actually supplied before committing to a large order.
Base size decision rules
- If your rules specify a base size: Use that size exactly, even if the figure overhangs slightly. Rules that define frontage and base contact will punish a larger base more than an untidy silhouette. Rules beat aesthetics every time.
- If you play ranked units: Choose square or octagonal bases and buy movement trays in the same frontage. Confirm the tray is listed as columns (width) x ranks (depth) before ordering. Base and tray must be bought as a pair.
- If you play skirmish games: Choose round bases sized to the figure's stance plus any weapon overhang. Round bases rotate freely and avoid corner snags on scattered terrain. Size up rather than let a weapon overhang.
- If you are matching an existing army: Measure a finished unit's frontage before buying anything new. If your older figures are on 25mm bases and the rest of the army is on 30mm, use conversion trays to centre them rather than rebasing every model. Match the army, not the individual figure.
Products that show base and frontage decisions in practice
- 12 x 5 30x30mm Conversion Tray for 25x25mm bases: Conversion trays for 25x25mm based figures give them a centred 30x30mm frontage and depth, and are listed as columns (width) x ranks (depth). This is the practical fix when your figures are based at 25mm but your opponent's army or your club standard uses a 30mm frontage.
- Desert Fort Arch Walls (28mm): Desert Fort Arch Walls measure W200 x D100 x H95 and are supplied unassembled and unpainted in kit form with full instructions. Knowing the footprint of terrain pieces helps you check whether your chosen base sizes and unit frontages will actually fit on and around the walls during play.
- Chateau de Valmont (Chateau) (28mm) CMYK: Chateau de Valmont is a 28mm scale kit supplied as a multi-part building, and any models or accessories shown are for scale purposes only and are not included. It confirms the 28mm scale context that most base-size decisions are made in, and reminds you that figures must be bought separately.
Is this base size right for you?
Best for
- Players who already know their game's base size requirements and want trays that match
- Hobbyists standardising a mixed collection onto one frontage
- Skirmish players who need round bases that rotate freely on scattered terrain
Not for
- Buyers who have not checked their rulebook's base size or frontage requirements
- Collectors who want display-only bases with sculpted detail rather than flat MDF
