Gundam Model Kit Types & Scales

A Beginner’s Guide

Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic models, are available in a variety of grades and scales, each offering unique levels of detail, complexity, and size. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a seasoned builder, here’s my basic breakdown of the most popular Gunpla categories:

SD – Super Deformed

  • Scale: No fixed scale (typically 1/100+ with exaggerated proportions)
  • Size: Small, about 8–10 cm
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Features:
    • Adorable, “chibi” style proportions
    • Simple assembly
    • Limited articulation
    • Perfect for beginners or collectors who love stylized displays
  • Sub-lines:
    • SD BB Senshi
    • SD EX-Standard (improved articulation and weapon compatibility)
    • SDCS (Cross Silhouette; customizable proportions)

HG – High Grade

  • Scale: 1/144
  • Size: Around 12–15 cm
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Features:
    • Budget-friendly
    • Good articulation
    • Extensive selection from nearly every Gundam series
    • Ideal for building, customizing, and painting
  • Why it’s popular:
    HG kits are the backbone of Gunpla, offering a great balance of price, detail, and ease of assembly.

RG – Real Grade

  • Scale: 1/144
  • Size: Same as HG, about 12–15 cm
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
  • Features:
    • Master Grade-level detail in a compact size
    • Advanced inner frame
    • High part count
    • Premium color separation and decals
  • Best for: Builders seeking intricate detail without the bulk of larger kits.

MG – Master Grade

  • Scale: 1/100
  • Size: Approximately 18–20+ cm
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Features:
    • Detailed inner frames
    • Larger size allows for more complex articulation
    • Excellent surface detail for painting
    • More premium feel compared to HG/RG
  • Sub-lines:
    • MG Ver. Ka: Special designs by Hajime Katoki
    • MGEX: High-end MG kits with advanced engineering (e.g., Unicorn LED version)

PG – Perfect Grade

  • Scale: 1/60
  • Size: About 30 cm
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Features:
    • The most detailed and complex standard grade
    • Full inner frames, LED options, and realistic mechanical structure
    • Impressive display presence
  • Sub-line:
    • PG Unleashed: Cutting-edge engineering, extreme articulation, extensive LED integration

Other / Special Grades

Entry Grade (EG)

  • Scale: Mostly 1/144
  • For: Beginners
  • Features:
    • Extremely simplified builds
    • Most models require no tools or stickers
    • Surprisingly good articulation for the price

RE/100 – Reborn 1/100

  • Scale: 1/100
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Features:
    • Master Grade size without an inner frame
    • Great for obscure mobile suits unlikely to get a MG release

Mega Size Model

  • Scale: 1/48
  • Size: About 37–38 cm
  • Features:
    • Massive display pieces
    • Fewer parts than PG kits
    • Impressive shelf presence with simpler construction