What Is a Polycount?
In 3D modeling, polycount refers to the number of polygons used to build a model. These polygons are usually triangles or quads. A higher polycount means more visual detail, while a lower polycount improves performance. Striking the right balance between visual quality and technical efficiency is key.
Why Polycount Matters
- Real-time performance: Essential for games and VR where speed matters
- Rendering efficiency: Important for animation, where high-detail models increase render times
- Platform limitations: Mobile, AR, and web models must be lightweight
- Workflow optimization: Lower polycounts are easier to rig, UV map, and texture
Types of Polygons Used
- Triangles (Tris) – Preferred in game engines and rendering
- Quads – Easier to model and animate, commonly used in asset creation
- N-gons (5+ edges) – Best avoided, especially for animated or deforming models
Recommended Polycounts by Model Type
These are typical ranges used by professionals. Exact numbers depend on project scope, platform, and visual requirements.
1. Characters
| Application | Polycount (Triangles) |
|---|---|
| Mobile Games | 500 to 5,000 |
| Stylized/Indie Games | 2,000 to 10,000 |
| AAA Console Games | 20,000 to 100,000+ |
| Animation/Film | 100,000 to 1 million+ |
2. Props and Environment Models
| Asset Type | Polycount Range |
|---|---|
| Small Props (mug, book) | 200 to 2,000 |
| Medium Props (furniture) | 1,000 to 5,000 |
| Vehicles or Machines | 10,000 to 50,000+ |
| Buildings and Structures | 1,000 to 100,000 |
3. Hard Surface Models (Weapons, Robots)
| Use Case | Typical Polycount |
|---|---|
| Mobile Games | 500 to 3,000 |
| Console/PC Games | 5,000 to 20,000+ |
| Film and VFX | 50,000 to 500,000+ |
4. 3D Scans and High-Detail Models
- Raw scans often have 1 to 50 million polygons
- These need to be retopologized before use in real-time engines
Tips to Optimize Polycount
- Use LODs (Levels of Detail) to load simpler versions at a distance
- Bake details into normal maps rather than modeling every bump
- Remove hidden geometry to reduce waste
- Avoid unnecessary subdivisions in flat or hidden areas
- Use instancing for repeating objects like trees or chairs
Polycount Guidelines in 3D Modeling by Industry
| Industry | Common Poly Range |
|---|---|
| Mobile Games | 500 to 10,000 |
| PC/Console Games | 10,000 to 100,000+ |
| Animated Films | 100,000 to several million |
| AR and VR | 1,000 to 30,000 |
| Product Viz | Optimized for close-up views |
| 3D Printing | Medium to high based on detail |
Conclusion
Polycount is one of the most important considerations in 3D modeling. It impacts everything from how your model performs in real-time applications to how long it takes to render. Whether you’re building for a mobile game or a feature film, it’s essential to work within the polycount guidelines suitable for your target platform and purpose.
About Us
3D Services India is a trusted 3D Modeling and Animation studio with over 15 years of experience. We’ve created over 200,000 3D Models, modeled 1,000+ characters, and supported clients such as Disney, Sephora, BBC, and Lennar. Whether you need low-poly assets for real-time rendering or high-detail cinematic models, we’ve got you covered.