The size of a 1/6 scale figure is calculated by dividing the real-world dimensions of its reference subject by six. For example, if an anime character stands 180 cm tall, its 1/6 scale figure will be 30 cm high (180 ÷ 6 = 30 cm). This scaling rule is widely applied across figure and model-making.

The idea of scale-sized figures has its roots in toy industry history. Launched by Mattel in 1959, the Barbie doll set a standard height of 11.5 inches (roughly 29 cm), which became known as “Playscale”. Other manufacturers later adopted and adapted this benchmark. Hasbro, for instance, released its boys-targeted G.I. Joe line also at 11.5 inches. The term “sixth scale” subsequently appeared to describe these figures, commonly used for male action figures.

By comparison, different scaling logic applies to other model lines such as 1/100 scale Gundam kits. A 1/100 scale means the finished model is one-hundredth the height of its source mecha. To illustrate: if an anime-canon Gundam unit measures 18.08 meters, its 1/100 scale model will be 18.08 cm tall. It is critical to distinguish notation: “1/100” means the model is 1/100 the size of the original subject, while “100:1” means the subject is enlarged 100 times, which is not used for Gundam model kits.