How big is each size?
More pieces means a taller outer doll, because each shell has to fit around the last one. Here is roughly what to expect from each size, so you can picture it before you order.
Height of the outer doll, side by side
Every size, side by side
| Pieces | Outer height | Base width | Smallest doll | Suits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Smallest | 7-9 cm 2.8", 3.5" | 4.5 cm 1.8" | 2.0 cm | A desk, a shelf, or a first set for someone | See 3-piece sets |
| 4 Small | 9-11 cm 3.5", 4.3" | 5.5 cm 2.2" | 2.2 cm | Small spaces and storytelling sets | See 4-piece sets |
| 5 Most popular | 11-15 cm 4.3", 6.0" | 6.5-7.5 cm 2.6", 3.0" | 1.8 cm | The size most people picture. Good for gifts and for counting games | See 5-piece sets |
| 6 Medium | 14-17 cm 5.5", 6.7" | 7.5-8.5 cm 3.0", 3.3" | 1.6 cm | Seasonal displays and animal family sets | See 6-piece sets |
| 7 Popular | 17-20 cm 6.7", 8.0" | 8.5-9.5 cm 3.3", 3.7" | 1.5 cm | A living room shelf, or a wedding or anniversary present | See 7-piece sets |
| 10 Large | 22-27 cm 8.7", 10.6" | 11-13 cm 4.3", 5.1" | 1.0 cm | A centrepiece, and the point where collectors start paying attention | See 10-piece sets |
| 15 Very large | 28-33 cm 11.0", 13.0" | 14-16 cm 5.5", 6.3" | 0.6 cm | A display cabinet, and a demonstration of what a lathe can do | See 15-piece sets |
| 20 Largest | 30-38 cm 12.0", 15.0" | 16-20 cm 6.3", 7.9" | 0.4 cm | The largest we sell. The innermost doll is about the size of a grain of rice | See 20-piece sets |
Which size should you pick?
Buying your first one? Take a 5-piece set
At 11 to 15 cm a five-piece set sits in the hand comfortably and fits on any shelf. It is what most people mean when they say matryoshka, and it is where most of our customers start. See the five-piece sets.
Want it to be noticed? 7 or 10 pieces
Between 18 and 27 cm, there is enough surface for the painter to work on: portraits, gold leaf, full flower bouquets. See seven-piece and ten-piece sets.
For a cabinet: 15 or 20 pieces
Over 30 cm tall. The outer doll needs a large seasoned log, and the innermost one is under 5 mm, which is about as far as a lathe will go. See fifteen-piece and twenty-piece sets.
For a child: 5 or 7 pieces
Opening and closing the halves works small hand muscles, and ordering them by size is a genuinely useful early lesson. Five or seven pieces suits ages three and up. Anything with a piece under 3 cm needs an adult nearby for younger children. See the care and safety guide.