How much model railroad ballast do you need

As a simple starting point, HO scale usually takes about 12 oz of material, or roughly 1 cup, to cover about 6 feet of track.

Infographic showing how much model railroad ballast is needed for N, HO, O, and G scale trac
Approximate ballast amounts needed to cover 6 feet of track in N, HO, O, and G scale.

N Scale: about 6 oz, or about 1/2 cup


HO Scale: about 12 oz, or about 1


O Scale: about 24 oz, or about 2 cups


G Scale: about 48 oz, or about 4 cups

N scale uses about half as much as HO scale.


O scale uses about double what HO scale uses.


G scale uses about double what O scale uses.

Approximate coverage for 6 feet of track:

These are only estimates. Wider shoulders, yards, sidings, curves, heavy scenery areas, and extra touch-up work may use more material.