Gunpla Grades Explained: HG, RG, MG, PG & SD Sizes and Differences
A complete list of Gundam model kit grades — EG, HG, RG, MG, PG and SD — with their scale, size, build difficulty and what each abbreviation means, so you know which to buy.
Gunpla — short for “Gundam plastic model” — is sold by Bandai Spirits in distinct product lines called grades. The grade tells you the scale, the level of detail, the size, and roughly how difficult the kit is to build. Knowing the grades is the single most useful thing for a newcomer, because two kits of the same robot can be very different products depending on their grade.
Gunpla grades at a glance (sizes & difficulty)
Here is the full grade list compared. Heights are typical for a standard-size mobile suit (around 18 m) and vary by kit:
| Grade | Abbr. | Scale | Typical height | Build difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Deformed | SD | Non-scale | ~8 cm (chibi) | Very easy |
| Entry Grade | EG | 1/144 | ~13 cm | Very easy |
| High Grade | HG | 1/144 | ~13 cm | Easy |
| Real Grade | RG | 1/144 | ~13 cm | Intermediate |
| Master Grade | MG | 1/100 | ~18 cm | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Perfect Grade | PG | 1/60 | ~30 cm | Advanced |
Entry Grade (EG)
Entry Grade is 1/144 scale and designed to be built without tools or glue. Parts are multi-colored so you can get a clean-looking result straight from the runners. It is the most beginner-friendly line.
High Grade (HG)
High Grade is also 1/144 scale and is the most widely available line, covering a huge range of mobile suits from across the various series. Detail and articulation are good for the size, and most builds are approachable for beginners while still satisfying for experienced builders.
Real Grade (RG)
Real Grade packs Master Grade-level detail into a 1/144 body. It uses a pre-assembled inner frame and many small parts, so it is more intricate — rewarding, but usually not recommended as a very first kit.
Master Grade (MG)
Master Grade is 1/100 scale and features a full inner frame, extensive detail and strong articulation. Builds take longer and have many parts, which is exactly what many hobbyists are looking for.
Perfect Grade (PG)
Perfect Grade is 1/60 scale — the largest and most complex mainstream line, often with internal LED options and highly detailed frames. These are premium, long builds aimed at dedicated builders.
SD (Super Deformed)
SD kits are non-scale, stylized “chibi” proportions with big heads and small bodies. They are quick, fun builds and a low-pressure way to try Gunpla.
Which grade should a beginner pick?
For a first build, Entry Grade or High Grade is the usual advice: affordable, quick, and forgiving. Move up to Real Grade or Master Grade once you enjoy the process and want more detail. Grade names are consistent across series, so once you understand them you can shop confidently for any mobile suit.
FAQ: Gundam grades
What does MG mean in Gundam? MG stands for Master Grade — a 1/100-scale line with an inner frame and high detail.
What does HG / RG / PG mean? HG = High Grade (1/144), RG = Real Grade (1/144, extra detail), PG = Perfect Grade (1/60, the largest and most complex).
What is the biggest Gunpla grade? Perfect Grade (PG) at 1/60 scale is the largest mainstream line, typically around 30 cm for a standard suit.
What's the difference between HG and RG? Both are 1/144, but Real Grade packs far more detail and parts (Master Grade-level detail in a smaller size), so it's less beginner-friendly than High Grade.
Now pick a kit for your grade
Once you know the grades, the next question is always “so which one should I actually build?” We picked a standout kit for every difficulty level — from a tool-free first build to a premium LED showcase — in our companion guide: the best Gunpla for each grade.