Miniature Bases
Gaming Supplies · 9 specs
Direct Answer
Miniature bases are standardized plastic platforms used in tabletop wargaming (Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar) and tabletop RPGs (D&D) to define model footprint, line of sight, and melee engagement range. Official standards specify round bases from 25 mm (infantry) to 160 mm (monsters), and oval bases from 60×35 mm (cavalry) to 170×105 mm (large vehicles).
Source: Games Workshop Official Base Size Guide / TTRPG Standards · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Small Infantry Round Base | 25 mm (classic Guardsmen, Gretchin) |
| Standard Infantry Round Base | 28.5 to 32 mm (Space Marines, Orks, Sisters) |
| Elite / Character Round Base | 40 mm (Terminators, Captains, Custodes) |
| Heavy Infantry / Monster Round | 50 to 60 mm (Centurions, Dreadnoughts, Spawn) |
| Large Walker / Monster Round | 80, 100, 130, 160 mm (Redemptor Dreadnought, Greater Daemons) |
| Biker / Cavalry Small Oval | 60 × 35 mm (classic cavalry/bikers) |
| Modern Outrider / Cavalry Oval | 75 × 42 to 90 × 52 mm (Space Marine Outriders, Gore-gruntas) |
| Chariot / Monster Medium Oval | 105 × 70 to 120 × 92 mm (Large beasts, light tanks) |
| Flyer / Super-Heavy Large Oval | 170 × 105 mm (Imperial Knights, Aircraft) |
Why Base Sizes Matter in Tabletop Wargames
In games like Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, distances are measured strictly from the edge of the model's base:
- Engagement Range: Usually within 1 inch horizontally and 5 inches vertically of an enemy model's base.
- Auras & Abilities: Measuring a 6-inch aura from a 50 mm base covers a larger total battlefield area than measuring from a 25 mm base.
- Official Tournament Rule: Models must be mounted on the exact base size currently supplied with the kit by the manufacturer.
The 25 mm to 32 mm Space Marine Base Transition
Historically, all standard infantry in Warhammer 40,000 were mounted on 25 mm slotted round bases. In 2014, Games Workshop transitioned Space Marines, Chaos Marines, and equivalent medium infantry to 32 mm bases to improve model stability and represent larger physical bulk, followed by 28.5 mm bases for specialized infantry (Howling Banshees, Adepta Sororitas).