Name: ___________________________________
The Ken Similarity Project
Geometry
You are going to “scale” a Ken doll to human size. This means you will calculate the dimensions of a
doll that is the size (scale) of a person. Keep in mind the following. An “average” man in the United
States has the following measurements:
 Height: 70 inches
 Foot length: 10.5 inches
 Leg inseam: 34 inches
The measurements of the Ken doll are included in the table below. Your job is to determine the
measurements of the doll if he were scaled to the height, foot length, or leg inseam of an “average” man
in the United States. Ask a male volunteer who is approximately 70 inches tall to provide an additional
measurement such as arm length or shoulder width and do some additional calculations.
(all in inches)
Ken
Chest circumference
Waist circumference
Hip circumference
Finger length
Head circumference
Shoulder width
Arm length
Leg inseam
Foot length
Height
6.0
4.75
5.75
0.75
4.5
3.5
3.5
5.5
1.5
12
Scale by
“average”
height
Scale by
“average”
foot length
Scale by
“average”
inseam
Scale by
“average”
choice
34
10.5
70
QUESTIONS
1. Did your findings match your expectations? Why or why not?
2. Take a stance and write a sentence in support of either; use mathematics to back up your statement:
 Mattel’s Point of View: The doll is proportioned like a normal adult man.
 Mattel-Critics’ Point of View: The doll does not match the average adult human man
proportions.
(continued on reverse)
3. Do you think this assignment raises any important issues? What do you think about the issue? Use
complete sentences and write a paragraph to support your answer.