Tell me more ×
LEGO® Answers is a question and answer site for LEGO® and building block enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 17 down vote favorite
2

The height of the 1x1x1 LEGO brick is 6/5 times its width. Is there any particular reason for these proportions? And especially why not making a cubic brick (it would have made SNOT building easier)?

share|improve this question
2  
In the same line: Why is a plate 1/3 of the brick's height? – pcantin Nov 4 '11 at 18:50
Probably to simulate real bricks: each of their dimensions are a different length. – harbichidian Nov 10 '11 at 23:08

1 Answer

up vote 17 down vote

In the 60s, Lego did produce a separate system for architectural modelling called Modulex which used a 1:1 ratio 5mm cube as its basic brick. It wasn't successful and was discontinued in the late 60s.

I believe the 6:5 was chosen so that studs could fit into the geometry. Related: why the plate is 1/3 of the brick's height. By adding two plates to the height of the brick vertically you can now match the centres of two horizontal units (6+2+2):(5+5)

Lego Dimensions

share|improve this answer
5  
Thanks for your answer. Your explanation for the height of a plate is indeed quite convincing. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by studs fitting in the geometry though. Could you please elaborate ? – Joel Cohen Nov 5 '11 at 4:10
2  
@ghoppe: I'm confused. Didn't the bricks with holes in come years after the plates? Were Lego really planning that far ahead? OTOH, I can't imagine that the geometry you describe is a happy coincidence. – Kramii Nov 5 '11 at 8:02
From everything I've seen, the geometry is very well thought out and seems to cover all eventualities (or was just very lucky :o) – Deanna Dec 6 '11 at 10:18

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.