Dice Sizes Explained
When shopping for dice, you’ll quickly discover they come in a wide range of sizes. Dice are typically measured in millimeters (mm) from one side to the opposite side, and while manufacturers produce dice in many different sizes, a few are considered standard: 5mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 16mm. Beyond these, larger dice are available in various sizes, ranging from 19mm all the way up to an impressive 50mm or more!
For reference, one inch is equal to 25.4 millimeters. This means a 16mm die—one of the most common sizes—is roughly two-thirds of an inch across, while a 19mm die is closer to three-quarters of an inch.
With so many options available, you might wonder which dice size is best for your needs. Is a 12mm die large enough for comfortable gaming? How does a 34mm die compare to the dice you already own? Let’s take a closer look at common dice sizes and their uses.
5mm Dice (3/16")
Tiny but mighty, these miniature dice are great for specialized gaming needs, tracking points or scores, and marking game units. If space is very limited, 5mm dice are a practical choice. Beyond gaming, they’re popular in arts and crafts, jewelry making, and decorative projects. Just be careful—they’re small enough to practically disappear if you drop one off the table!
10mm Dice (3/8")
Slightly larger than their 5mm counterparts, 10mm dice are still compact but easier to handle and read. These dice are often used in board games where space is at a premium or where multiple dice rolls are needed, and they make cute but useful polyhedral sets for tabletop role-playing games. Like smaller dice, they also make excellent gaming markers or crafting components.
12mm Dice (1/2")
These dice strike a balance between compactness and usability. Measuring about half an inch across, 12mm dice are common in board games but less so than their larger 16mm counterparts. Because of their smaller size, they’re great for rolling multiple dice at once—8 to 10 will easily fit in the palm of your hand. This makes them an excellent choice for tabletop miniature games such as Warhammer.
16mm Dice (2/3")
The gold standard of dice sizes! If you’ve ever played a tabletop game, chances are you’ve rolled 16mm dice. This size is the most commonly available, meaning there’s a greater variety of colors, finishes, and designs to choose from. They fit comfortably in your hand, roll well, and offer excellent readability, making them a favorite for everything from role-playing games (TTRPGs) to classic board games.
Large Dice - 19mm+ Dice (3/4" and up)
Solid, hefty dice, perfect for party or casino games, classroom use, or decorative purposes. If you need dice that are readable from a few feet away, these do the trick.
19mm dice are chunkier and a bit heavier than their 16mm siblings and they make easy-to-read game dice, particularly for tabletop games requiring 1 to 3 dice. This is also the size of gaming dice used in casinos.
Dice also come in larger sizes such as 30mm, 34mm, and 50mm. These are great for making epic rolls or for displaying on a shelf.
A 34mm d20
A 50mm d6
A Note on Polyhedral Dice Sizes
When discussing dice sizes, it’s important to note that polyhedral dice—such as d4s, d10s, and d20s—don’t always match their classified size in the same way that six-sided dice do. For example, a 7-piece dice set might be labeled as 16mm, but this classification is based on the size of the d6 in the set. The other polyhedral dice may be slightly larger or smaller depending on their shape. This variation is due to the differing geometries of polyhedral dice, which can make them appear bulkier or more compact compared to a standard six-sided die of the same classification.
Choosing the Right Dice Size
If you’re unsure which size to choose, consider these factors:
- Gameplay Needs: If you need to roll multiple dice at once, smaller sizes like 12mm or 16mm are convenient. If visibility is a priority, go for 19mm or larger.
- Readability: Bigger dice are easier to read from a distance, making them ideal for classrooms or party games.
- Portability: Smaller dice are easier to carry around but can be tricky to handle if they’re too tiny.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Larger dice make for impressive decorative pieces or collector’s items.
With so many dice sizes available, there’s something for every gamer, collector, and crafter, from the classic feel of a 16mm die, the portability of a 10mm set, or the dramatic presence of a 50mm die, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your gaming adventures!