Figures of 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, 32 mm, and 35 mm are the most common for role-playing and table-top games. Smaller figures of 2 mm, 6 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm are used for mass-combat wargames.

The earliest known miniatures were created over five thousand years ago to be placed in Egyptian tombs. The ancient Egyptians believed these miniatures would be brought to life to join the deceased in the afterlife. They are among the most abundant artifacts of ancient Egypt.