LEGO® plates and flat building bricks
What are LEGO® plates?
A plate is a flat building piece with studs on top. Three regular plates stacked on top of each other are the same height as one standard brick. This allows you to build more precisely in layers, for example when a floor, edge, or roof would become too high with regular bricks.
Plates are also useful for extending connections across multiple bricks. The chosen length and width determine how much space you bridge. For a custom design, first consider the position of the studs and the available building space, and only then the desired color.
The right dimensions and part numbers
Sizes such as 1x2 and 2x3 describe the dimensions in studs, not in centimeters. Examples from this collection include plate 3023 measuring 1x2, plate 3022 measuring 2x2, and plate 3021 measuring 2x3. This allows you to compare small differences in size precisely.
For longer connections, there are 1x6 and 2x8 plates, among others; plate 91405 measures 16x16. Don't choose based on surface area alone. One large plate and several small plates create different seams and attachment points, which affects how you build your model.
Plates, baseplates, and special shapes
A regular plate is not the same as a thin LEGO® baseplate. A baseplate often serves as a foundation, while regular plates are designed to fit as a building layer between other pieces. Compare the underside if you also want to build further underneath the plate.
Looking for a clip or an offset attachment point? Check out the custom LEGO® plates. For a replacement piece, check the complete number, color, and condition on the product page. This prevents a situation where the size is correct but the version does not fit your building step.