Old World Base Size Guide: Choosing the Right Bases for Your Miniatures

Getting the Old World base size right is one of those hobby decisions that feels small at first, then quietly shapes everything that follows. It affects how units rank up, how charges and combat contact work, how your models interact with terrain, and how “fair” a game feels on both sides of the table. It also affects how your army looks, because bases frame a miniature the way a mount frames a painting.

This guide explains why base size matters, what standard dimensions are commonly used for Old World-style armies, how to measure and select the correct base, and how to handle rebasing when rulesets shift. It also covers tournament expectations and how to build scenic bases that still play nicely, so your army looks brilliant without creating awkward moments in-game.

Why Base Size Matters

Why does one base size choice cause so many knock-on effects? Because the base is the model’s footprint in the rules. Distances, placements, and line checks usually work from the base, not from the tip of a spear or a banner.

Correct base sizes support gameplay in a few key ways:

Movement and positioning become consistent. In ranked games, frontage and base depth directly affect how units align, how wide a formation can be, and how many models can fight.

Line of sight and obstruction feel fairer. Even when rules use true line of sight, the base helps define where a model stands, which matters when you are checking arcs, corners, and terrain edges.

Charges and combat contact stay honest. If a model sits on a smaller base than expected, it can slip into gaps, reduce exposure to enemy attacks, or create strange “micro positions” that were never intended.

Tournament rules rely on basing consistency. Most organised play settings, whether at a local club or a larger event, aim for clarity. Base size is a simple way to enforce that clarity.

Aesthetics matter too. When the Old World base size matches the miniature’s scale and pose, it looks grounded rather than perched. It also makes the army feel unified, which is especially important for ranked units where bases form a visual grid.

If you want inspiration for how basing choices can elevate an army while staying practical, see Miniature basing tips and tutorials.

Standard Old World Base Sizes

When people ask for an Old World base chart, what they usually want is a quick, usable reference. The challenge is that base standards have shifted over time, older kits vary, and many armies now include models originally sold for different systems. So, rather than pretending there is one perfect chart that covers every sculpt ever made, the best approach is to focus on the most common standards and then explain how to handle edge cases.

Here is a clear, infographic-style reference for typical Old World-style square and rectangular bases, organised by unit type.

Infantry

• 20mm square: classic light infantry, many older human and elf rank-and-file sculpts

• 25mm square: bulkier infantry, many modern sculpts, elite troops, larger humanoids

Cavalry

• 25x50mm rectangle: standard cavalry footprint for many classic mounted units

• 30x60mm rectangle: heavier cavalry, larger mounts, and bulkier modern sculpts

Large Infantry

• 40mm square: ogres, trolls, similarly sized brute units

Monsters and Large Creatures

• 50mm square: many mid-sized monsters and beasts

• 50x75mm rectangle and larger: very large monsters, chariots, and centrepiece kits (varies by model)

Characters and Heroes

• Often match the unit type they join, for example, infantry characters on infantry bases, mounted characters on cavalry bases

• Larger character sculpts may require a larger base for stability and fairness

Now, the big question: what about round bases? Round bases are more common in systems that do not rely on ranked formations. That means you will see them frequently in collections that span multiple games. For Old World-style play, square and rectangular bases remain the practical standard because ranking depends on straight edges and consistent frontage.

If you are converting between square and round, the most important rule is consistency. A whole army in one style looks deliberate. A mixed army can look messy, and it can create confusion in play.

A helpful way to think about it is this:

Square and rectangular bases prioritise formation logic. They make ranked movement and unit contact clean.

Round bases prioritise individual model spacing. They shine in skirmish-style movement and more freeform positioning.

If you are building a classic force and want the wider context of how units fit together, the Warhammer Fantasy army guide can help you understand typical unit roles and footprints.

Basing Miniatures Correctly

So how do you actually choose the right base when you have a specific model in your hand?

Start with a simple process that avoids guesswork.

First, measure the “contact footprint”, not the dramatic pose. Ignore weapon tips, wings, banners, and flowing capes. Focus on where the miniature touches the base, typically feet, hooves, or a scenic anchor point.

Second, test rank-up behaviour. If the model belongs in a unit, place two or three together on the table, base-to-base, in the formation you intend to use. Do they sit neatly, or do details collide? If details collide, the answer is not always “bigger base”. Often, it is “smarter pose” or “adjusted scenic elements”.

Third, consider stability. A top-heavy sculpt on a base that is too small becomes a constant annoyance. Models fall, paint chips, and you end up repairing the same miniature repeatedly. A stable base size keeps the hobby fun.

Rebasing old miniatures for newer rules is common, especially with older Warhammer Fantasy collections. The safest way is to treat rebasing as preservation work:

• Soften PVA or basing glue with warm water if possible, then gently work the model free.

• If superglue is involved, use careful mechanical separation rather than brute force.

• Clean the underside, remove old grit, and check the feet 'contact points.

• Dry-fit on the new base before glueing, then build the base around the model rather than forcing the model into a finished base.

Conversions and kitbashes deserve special attention. They often introduce wider stances, rotated torsos, or weapons that change how a unit fits together. If you are kitbashing for a ranked game, keep the silhouette dramatic while keeping the footprint honest. Use scenic elements that rise upward more than outward, and avoid rocks or debris that extend into neighbouring base space.

For players transitioning between systems, it helps to understand that basing expectations can differ. The Age of Sigmar miniature guide is useful when you are comparing how round-base collections can be adapted for square-base formats.

Tournament and Official Guidelines

When people worry about base sizes, they are often thinking about events. The reality is that most opponents are reasonable, and most organisers are looking for consistency rather than perfection.

Games Workshop guidance is the obvious baseline for official play, and it is worth checking current expectations before attending an event. The most reliable places to look for updates and community clarifications are the Official Warhammer site and Warhammer Community: basing guides and articles.

Here are common standards that appear again and again in organised settings:

Use consistent base sizes across a unit. Mixing sizes in the same unit creates unclear contact points and messy formations.

Avoid intentionally undersizing. If a model is obviously on a smaller base than the sculpt supports, it can be seen as modelling for advantage.

Be transparent about conversions. If you have rebased an older army, most organisers appreciate clarity. A quick note, or a willingness to show that the basing is consistent, usually resolves issues.

Be careful when mixing systems. Age of Sigmar and Warhammer Fantasy approaches can differ. Age of Sigmar often tolerates more basing variety, while ranked formats benefit from more uniformity.

Common mistakes are usually simple. People pick a base because it “looks right”, then discover it creates awkward ranks or makes movement trays impossible. The fix is planned. If you are building an army for regular play, basing should support the army’s real use, not just a single display pose.

If you use specialist kits, you might also look at Forge World models and base sizing to sanity-check what a large sculpt is typically paired with, especially for centrepiece miniatures.

Creative and Custom Bases

Custom bases are one of the best ways to make an army feel personal. They can tell a story, unify disparate kits, and make even simple troop sculpts look premium.

The trick is balancing art with compliance. Your bases can be scenic without becoming problematic.

A good scenic base usually does three things:

It supports the model’s pose and silhouette. Rocks, ruins, or roots should frame the miniature, not fight it.

It stays within the base footprint. Overhang happens, but it should not prevent ranking or cause constant collisions in a unit.

It remains readable at tabletop distance. Tiny details are great for display, but a coherent theme matters more for an army.

Here are materials and textures that work well for both display and gaming:

• Cork and slate for rock formations

• Texture paste and sand for earth

• Static grass and tufts for quick vegetation

• Snow paste for winter themes

• Pigments for dust, ash, or battlefield grime

• Small bits of sprue, broken weapons, or shields for battlefield storytelling

If you play ranked games, keep height sensible. Tall scenic builds can look dramatic, but they can also cause line-of-sight weirdness and make transport harder. A strong theme with moderate height often gives the best result.

If you want more general hobby ideas across different systems, Tabletop gaming tips and miniature guides can provide useful inspiration without forcing you into one specific basing style.

Making Your Army Battle-Ready

Correct basing is one of the most practical ways to keep your army enjoyable. It prevents disputes, makes movement smoother, and keeps your miniatures visually cohesive on the table. Whether you are restoring classic sculpts, rebasing for new rules, or building a themed display army that still plays cleanly, taking the time to confirm base sizes pays off.

Check your miniatures and ensure your army is battle-ready with the correct bases.

A quick base audit now can save hours of rebasing later, especially before events or a new campaign.