Scales for dollhouses have changed over time and still vary in the U.S. and Europe. Since the 1970s, the American collector’s standard and most popular scale for dollhouses is the 1/12 scale, also referred to as the 1″, 1:12 or HO scale. With this scale, one inch equals one foot. Most dollhouses, furniture and accessories sold in the U.S. adhere to this scale. Other increasingly popular scales include the 1/2 or 1:24 scale, where 1/2 inch equals one foot, and the 1/4 or 1:48 scale, where 1/4 inch equals one foot. Furnishings are commonly available for these scales.
Earlier in the century, children’s toy houses were generally built on a 3/4 scale, where three quarters of an inch equaled one foot. This was also referred to as the 1:18 scale. Many family heirloom dollhouses are three quarter scale houses. In Germany, the 1/10 scale has been popular since the middle of the 20th century. The 1/10 scale remains more common in Germany than the 1/12 scale for dollhouses. American collectors can purchase furnishings and accessories for these alternative scale dollhouses within the U.S. either through Internet miniature businesses or specialty shops.
Other scales commonly referred to include the 1:144 or N scale, which is the “dollhouse for a dollhouse” scale. Children’s play houses for Barbie and similar dolls are manufactured at a 1/6 scale.