The precise dimensions of a standard LEGO stud, the iconic cylindrical protrusion that allows LEGO bricks to interlock, are typically 4.8 mm in diameter and approximately 1.8 mm in height. While the stud itself has these specific dimensions, it's important to differentiate them from the overall dimensions of a LEGO brick that features a single stud.
Understanding LEGO Stud Dimensions
A LEGO stud is a crucial component of the LEGO interlocking brick system. Its exact dimensions ensure a consistent, tight, yet detachable fit between bricks.
- Diameter: The standard diameter of a LEGO stud is 4.8 mm. This measurement is key to the compatibility across virtually all LEGO elements manufactured over decades.
- Height: The height of the stud from the base of the brick (or the surface it protrudes from) to its top is approximately 1.8 mm. This height allows for the connection point inside another brick.
Dimensions of a Single-Stud LEGO Brick
While the question specifically asks about the stud, it's often confused with the dimensions of a single-stud LEGO brick due to their close association. A reference from December 23, 2016, provides the overall dimensions for such a brick, which helps understand the scale of the LEGO system:
- "One Single Stud Lego brick is 9.6mm H by 8mm W (technically 7.8mm)."
This indicates that a basic one-by-one (1x1) LEGO brick, which features a single stud on top, measures 9.6mm in height and has a nominal width of 8mm. The "technically 7.8mm" likely refers to a more precise measurement of the plastic body's width, accounting for slight tolerances or the space between studs when multiple bricks are connected side-by-side. The 8mm represents the unit's effective width within the LEGO grid system, with the stud placed centrally.
The reference also mentions "at the scale you are looking for we're searching for single stud bricks that are 28.8mm H by 24mm W." This refers to a larger, scaled-up version of a single-stud brick (three times the standard dimensions), rather than the common, smaller LEGO element.
Comparative Dimensions
To provide a clear understanding of the different measurements, here's a breakdown:
| Component | Dimension Type | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGO Stud (Protrusion) | Diameter | 4.8 mm | The round top part that connects bricks. |
| LEGO Stud (Protrusion) | Height | Approx. 1.8 mm | From the brick surface to the top of the stud. |
| Single-Stud LEGO Brick | Height (H) | 9.6 mm | Overall height of a standard 1x1 LEGO brick. |
| Single-Stud LEGO Brick | Width (W) | 8 mm (technically 7.8 mm) | Overall width of a standard 1x1 LEGO brick unit in the grid system. |
Understanding these dimensions is fundamental to the LEGO system's precision and its ability to create stable, complex structures from simple, interlocking pieces.
