The parts desk Buying guides

Buying LEGO minifigures and minifigure parts

Find the right head, outfit or complete figure. Use the visual checks and worked example below to match the version, understand what is included and buy only the pieces you need.

Match the version, then check the components.

A character can have several faces, outfits and hairstyles. For an exact replacement, compare the original figure's colour and decoration on both sides. For a custom character, choose the look you want and check that the pieces fit together.

Start with what you know

I know the original setFind the figure in its instructions and match the outfit.
I have a loose componentSearch by component, colour and distinctive decoration.
I am making a custom characterChoose an outfit, then check proportions, connections and headwear.
I want a complete figureBrowse minifigures and check the individual listing's contents.

If you know the set

Find the set in LEGO's instruction search. Compare the figure's assembly steps and parts inventory with the pieces you own. When a set has several figures, use the outfit, face and headwear to distinguish them. Record the exact figure or component identifier once you find a match.

If you only have a loose piece

Start in Heads, Torsos, Legs, Hair or Hats, Helmets & Headgear. Combine the component with a distinctive feature, such as minifigure head glasses. Then narrow the colour and compare the pictures. If a long description finds nothing, remove less distinctive words and try again.

Know what you are buying

Exploded minifigure diagram labelling headwear, head, a neck attachment, torso assembly, hips and legs, and a separate handheld accessory. — The main sections and optional accessories. This simplified diagram identifies the pieces; the listing determines which are supplied.

A bare torso without arms or hands beside a torso assembly with two arms and two hands. — A bare torso and a torso assembly are different purchases. Compare arm and hand colours as well as the torso's print.

Before adding an item to your basket

Complete figure: check the exact version and all listed components. Handheld accessories, display bases and spare hairpieces may be separate.
Torso: establish whether arms and hands are included, and in which colours.
Legs: check whether you are buying hips and both legs, a single leg or a different lower-body design.
Headwear and accessories: check separate pieces such as visors, plumes, capes or backpack attachments.

Compare the decoration on both sides

Check the base colour first, then the front, back and sides. On heads, compare eyebrows, eyewear, mouth and any second face. On bodies, compare the badge, belt, pockets and back print, followed by arm, hand and hip colours. A shared character name or similar front image is only a lead.

Teeth grin and a second face

Both sides of yellow head 3626pb2396: a sunglasses face with a teeth grin, and an uncovered-eyes face with a closed-mouth smile. — 1: Teeth grin. 2: The other side of the same head. Two views do not mean two pieces.

3626pb2396 · Yellow
This is the head used in the Duke DeTain example below. Check both expressions when matching it.

View the dual-sided head →

A similar look, a different print

Yellow head 3626pb1290 with sunglasses, a closed-mouth smirk and a chin dimple. — 3: Compare the smirk and chin detail with the teeth grin on the other head.

3626pb1290 · Yellow
Both listings describe sunglasses, but this decoration is different. Choose it deliberately for a custom figure.

View the smirk head →

Use the right identifier for your search

Complete figure cty1042: Identifies a particular catalogue figure: Police Officer – Duke DeTain. Use this when comparing a complete figure with its individual parts.
Decorated component 3626pb2396: Identifies the head's catalogue decoration. Match the colour too. The letters and suffix belong to the catalogue identifier; you should not expect to find the whole code moulded into the piece.
LEGO element number 6271407: An element number for that yellow decorated head. You can search 6271407 and compare the result. A catalogue listing can group more than one LEGO element number.

A small moulded number may identify the underlying shape without identifying its decoration. Use it to narrow the search, then compare the print. See the design and element number guide for the distinction.

Worked example: complete Duke DeTain

Duke DeTain cty1042 with black coiled hair, yellow sunglasses head, a Dark Blue police uniform, Dark Grey hands and black legs; an inset shows his alternate expression. — **Police Officer – Duke DeTain · cty1042**
Use this specific version as your target. The small inset shows the alternate face, rather than an additional head supplied with the figure.
View the complete figure →

Suppose you already have the correct uniform assembly and black hips and legs, but the head and hair are missing. This is the component checklist for cty1042:

Two missing components: buy one head and one hairpiece
Component and identifier	Colour and details	For this example
Torso assembly `973pb3567c01`	Dark Blue police uniform and arms, Dark Grey hands, harness and gold star badge; “POLICE” on the back.	Already owned. Compare the full print and the arms and hands.
Hips and legs `970c00`	Black, plain standard legs.	Already owned. Keep the matching assembly.
Head `3626pb2396`	Yellow; sunglasses and teeth grin / uncovered eyes and closed-mouth smile.	Missing: buy 1.
Hair `36060`	Black; coiled and short.	Missing: buy 1.

The two expressions of the one missing yellow head. — **Buy 1 head**
`3626pb2396` · Yellow

The missing black coiled and short hairpiece. — **Buy 1 hairpiece**
`36060` · Black

Compare the current total for those two components with the complete figure, including delivery. A handheld item from a scene is an extra shopping requirement: it is not one of the four components in this figure's checklist. Add any accessory you want separately after checking the listing.

Check fit, coverage and proportions

Standard minifigure components share a common format, but a fitting connection does not guarantee the finished appearance. Check the assembled combination from the front, back and side.

Will the headwear cover the other face?

Two simplified rear views of a dual-sided head: short rear coverage leaves the unused face visible; longer rear coverage conceals it. — Check the rear of the actual combination. These diagrams illustrate coverage and do not identify particular hairpieces.

Does the accessory need another piece or more clearance?

A helmet and separate visor with their connection points highlighted, beside a neck attachment and hairpiece with the clearance area marked. — Match the visor's connection to the helmet. Around the neck, check that a cape, beard, backpack or shoulder attachment leaves room for the headwear.

Which leg type matches your figure?

Short fixed legs 41879, medium articulated legs 970cm00 and standard articulated legs 970c00, aligned at the feet to compare their heights. — Common leg types, shown at the same scale in simplified front views. Short fixed legs stay standing; medium and standard articulated legs can move into a sitting position.

Match the height, hip colour and decoration as well as the movement. Browse minifigure legs for the required assembly. For a replacement, choosing the correct torso or leg assembly avoids unnecessary dismantling of arms or individual legs. Do not force a resisting joint.

Check the figure format first. Mini-dolls, DUPLO figures, large figures and specialised bodies have different component designs. Verify the specific connection before mixing these with standard minifigure parts.

Before you order

Save the exact figure or decorated component identifier.
Check colour, both sides of the print and assembly contents.
Count only the missing pieces, then include delivery when comparing the total cost.

Common questions

The photo shows two faces. Am I buying two heads?

It may show both sides of one dual-sided head, as in the Duke DeTain example. Read the listing and order quantity; multiple views do not establish the number of pieces supplied.

My head has the same number but a different face. Is it the right part?

A moulded number can refer to the underlying head shape. Match the decorated catalogue identifier, colour and expressions for an exact replacement.

What if I cannot find the exact component?

Try its element number or a shorter description, then browse the relevant category. An empty search can mean a different catalogue name or no current listing. For an exact restoration, keep the original identifier on your list; for a custom character, compare an alternative's appearance and fit.

Can I substitute medium legs for short legs?

Check the particular torso connection and the assembled result. Medium legs change the figure's height and movement, so they are a deliberate customisation rather than an exact visual replacement.

Your next piece

Put your parts list to work.

Search genuine LEGO parts by number or description, then choose your colour and condition.