RC Car Scales Explained: A Guide to 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, and 1/5

Walk into any RC hobby shop, and you'll see an amazing range of sizes, from tiny cars that can drift on a tabletop to massive trucks that barely fit in a car trunk.

While the little ones are fun, most hobbyists eventually find themselves drawn to the bigger models: 1/10, 1/8, 1/6, and 1/5 scale. This is where power, performance, and a true driving feel come together, offering a much more immersive and capable experience.

What Does "Scale" Actually Mean?

So, what does "scale" actually mean? In simple terms, it's the model's size compared to the real vehicle it's based on. A 1/10 scale car is, you guessed it, one-tenth the size of the real thing. It's a simple idea, but it can be a little misleading.

Here's a key detail many beginners miss: not all 1/10 scale cars are the same size. A 1/10 scale monster truck will be much bigger than a 1/10 scale sports car because the real-life versions are vastly different. So, think of scale as a starting point, not a strict measurement.

A Quick Look: Small vs. Large RC Cars

To really see why so many people love large-scale RC, let's put the major size categories head-to-head.

Small RC Cars (Micro/Mini)

• The Good: They're affordable and perfect for zipping around the living room or driveway. You don't need a lot of space, and they're easy to just grab and go.
• The Bad: They struggle outdoors. A patch of grass can feel like a jungle, and their small parts and limited power mean they aren't cut out for rough terrain.

Large Scale RC Cars (1/10 and Up)

• The Good: These are built to dominate the outdoors. With big tires, powerful motors, and long-travel suspension, they can handle dirt, grass, and jumps with ease. Plus, their larger size means you can actually get in there with tools to fix and upgrade them.
• The Bad: They cost more and need a park, a field, or a track to really stretch their legs.

Putting the Sizes into Perspective

Numbers on a box don't always paint the full picture. Here’s a better look at how these scales stack up in the real world.

1/10 Scale: The Sweet Spot

Measuring around 20 inches (50 cm) long, this is the most common and versatile scale. It’s big enough for great performance but small enough to not be overwhelming. It's widely considered the best starting point for anyone new to the hobby.

1/8 Scale: The Racer's Choice

At about 25 inches (63 cm) long, a 1/8 scale car is a noticeable step up in size and presence. These are often designed for racing, with powerful systems that make them incredibly fast and stable on a track.

1/6 Scale: The Off-Road King

Now we're getting into seriously impressive territory. These cars are often 30 inches (76 cm) or longer. With their massive size and high ground clearance, they are often designed for incredible realism and crawling over anything in their path.

1/5 Scale: The Gentle Giant

These are true beasts, often measuring over 3 feet (91 cm) long. Their sheer size is awe-inspiring, and they have an incredible presence on the ground. Controlling a 1/5 scale requires skill and space, making them the choice for dedicated enthusiasts.

How They Drive: Performance Across the Scales

A bigger car doesn't just mean a bigger body—it means a totally different driving experience.

• 1/10 Scale: This is the jack-of-all-trades. You can find a 1/10 scale car for anything: smooth on-road drifting, high-flying short course racing, or technical rock crawling. The parts are easy to find, and they are simple to work on.
• 1/8 Scale: These cars are often built with one thing in mind: speed. They are incredibly quick, handle with precision, and are the go-to scale for serious off-road buggy or on-road GT racing.
• 1/6 Scale: If your playground is a rocky trail or a bumpy field, this is your scale. Their size and heavy-duty suspension allow them to glide over obstacles that would stop smaller cars in their tracks.
• 1/5 Scale: This is the top tier of RC performance. Many run on actual gasoline, giving them a sound and feel you can't get anywhere else (though electric versions are insanely powerful too). They are for hobbyists who want the most extreme experience.

Fueling the Fun: A Battery Guide for Every Scale

For electric RC cars, the battery is everything. It dictates your power, speed, and how long the fun lasts. Here’s a quick guide to matching the right battery to your scale.

For the Little Guys (1/24, 1/18, 1/16)

Voltage/Capacity: 1S–2S (3.7V–7.4V) / 150mAh–1000mAh

Plugs: Tiny plugs like PH2.0 or JST.

Example: A CNHL MiniStar 900mAh 2S battery gives these tiny cars a surprising kick.

The Workhorse (1/10)

Voltage/Capacity: 2S–3S (7.4V–11.1V) / 3000mAh–6000mAh

Plugs: Common plugs like XT60, Deans, or EC5.

Example: A CNHL Racing Series 5600mAh 2S Hard Case Lipo is a great all-around choice.

Stepping up the Power (1/8)

Voltage/Capacity: 4S–6S (14.8V–22.2V) / 4000mAh–7000mAh

Plugs: High-current plugs like EC5 or XT90.

Example: The CNHL Racing Series 6200mAh 4S 90C battery can deliver the punch needed for a big motor.

For the Heavy Hitters (1/6, 1/5)

Voltage/Capacity: 6S–8S (22.2V–29.6V) or two 4S packs in series / 6000mAh–10,000mAh+

Plugs: Heavy-duty plugs like EC5 or QS8.

Example: A massive CNHL Racing Series 9500mAh 6S 90C is what you need to power a monster like the Traxxas XRT.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While there are even bigger custom builds out there (like 1/4 scale), they are in a league of their own. For most drivers, the choice comes down to these main scales.

If you're just starting, you really can't go wrong with a 1/10 scale model. It's the perfect platform to learn on, with a huge variety of vehicles and endless upgrade options. It lets you get a feel for the hobby before you decide to go bigger and bolder into the exciting world of large-scale RC.