Quick Answer
Choose 12mm d6 dice blocks for games that need many dice and compact storage; choose 16mm d6 dice blocks for better readability and a comfortable feel in hand.
Why Size Matters for Your Game
The dice size you pick affects how many you can roll at once, how easily you can read results, and how much space they take up on the table. 12mm dice are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for games where you roll large pools of dice. 16mm dice are the standard for many tabletop games, offering a balance of readability and handling comfort.
Your personal comfort and the type of game you play should guide the choice. If you have larger hands or play in a dimly lit room, bigger dice are easier to see and pick up. If you play a game that requires rolling 10 or more dice at once, smaller dice help keep the table manageable.
Trade-Offs to Consider
The main trade-off is quantity versus readability. A 12mm Dice Block typically contains 36 dice, giving you a large supply for games that need many rolls. A 16mm Dice Block usually contains 12 dice, which is enough for most games but fewer per block. The larger dice are easier to read from across the table and feel more substantial in hand, but they take up more space and weigh more.
Think about how you store your dice. Dice blocks are compact and easy to stack, but 16mm blocks are bulkier. If you have limited shelf space, 12mm blocks let you store more dice in the same area.
Which Size Should You Choose?
- Choose 12mm if...: You play games that require rolling many dice at once (like Shadowrun or Warhammer) or you want to store a large dice supply in a small space. Check the dice count per block: 12mm blocks often contain more dice for a similar price.
- Choose 16mm if...: You prioritize readability and hand comfort, or you play games where dice are rolled individually and need to be easily distinguishable. Consider how the dice feel in your hand; 16mm dice are less fiddly for people with larger hands.
- Consider a mix...: Keep a 12mm block for mass-roll games and a 16mm block for games where you want a satisfying tactile experience. Having both sizes lets you adapt to different games without buying new dice.
Product Comparison
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Borealis® 12mm d6 Light Green/gold Luminary™ Dice Block™ (36 dice): This Borealis® 12mm d6 Light Green/gold Luminary™ Dice Block™ includes 36 dice in a single block. The larger quantity gives you a generous supply for games that require many dice rolls, without needing multiple purchases.
Borealis® 12mm d6 Light Green/gold Luminary™ Dice Block™ (36 dice)
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Nebula® 16mm d6 Wisteria/white Luminary™ Dice Block™ (12 dice): The Nebula® 16mm d6 Wisteria/white Luminary™ Dice Block™ contains 12 standard-sized 16mm dice. The standard 16mm size fits comfortably in hand and dice trays, making it a versatile choice for most tabletop games.
Nebula® 16mm d6 Wisteria/white Luminary™ Dice Block™ (12 dice)
Who Each Size Fits Best
Best for
- 12mm dice: players who need large quantities of dice for games with big dice pools
- 16mm dice: players who value readability and a comfortable grip, especially in longer sessions
Not for
- 12mm dice: players with limited dexterity who struggle to pick up small dice
- 16mm dice: players who want to minimize table clutter when rolling many dice at once
