In the Brick Owl catalog there are two dimension types that are available. First is the actual physical measurement of the item. The second is the equivalent stud dimension.

Physical measurements in millimeters should be made from the furthest extents of the object. Include every feature whether it is a flange, pin, or ear. If an item is movable (e.g. horse's head) then it would be desirable to make it as compact as possible before measuring. These dimensions are used for calculating shipping volume.

To measure the object, place it on a surface in front of you. If it has a general name such as "Brick, 2x4" then use the first dimension for length and the second for width. If not then length will be the longest dimension across and width will be the other dimension across. If in doubt it's okay to make your best guess. Generally studs will point up.

First measure the length in millimeters. For bricks, plates, slopes, and other standard parts, length will generally be in an increment of 8mm. More accurately the dimension will be 8x - 0.2mm. The 2x4 brick will have a length of 8mm x 2 studs - 0.2mm. The 0.2mm is for tolerance on either side of the brick. Including this tolerance is optional and either 7.8mm or 8mm is acceptable. Measuring the width is similar.

Measuring the height uses a different scale. Typical bricks are always 1 stud high (unless noted as 1x2x2 or 1x1x5). One stud of height is 9.6mm, a little taller than the base length. There is also a knob on top of many elements that is 1.7mm in height. Bricks will be 9.6x + 1.7mm in height unless there is no top stud.

Once the millimeter dimensions are entered you can enter the stud dimensions. Take into account the bulk of the element though not every protrusion should be accounted for. The 1x1 plates with clip could be listed as 1x1 or 1x1.5 or 1x2. It need not be as accurate as the mm. It is generally advisable not to use decimals for the stud length and width though 1/2 stud lengths are okay. Please try to be consistent though.

Stud height is based off of the height of a brick being one. Plates are one third the height of a brick. Therefore all plates, wedge plates, modified plates, etc will have a height of 0.33. Two plates of height is 0.67 studs. Other parts might be listed as A x B x 1 1/3 . Decimals for most elements will be .33 or .67. In rare cases will parts be otherwise. It is generally adequate to express the heights in thirds. The stud should not be accounted for in this height. Plates and tiles are all 0.33 studs high.

General element dimensions:

Plate height: 3.2mm
Bar diameter: 3.2mm
Stud height: 1.7mm
Half-plate width (e.g. baseplates, brackets and panels): 1.6mm
Technic pins: 4.8mm diameter

 

This page has been contributed by DagsBricks