LEGO parts 3020, 3024 and 3623: how to recognise them and choose the correct reference?

References 3020, 3024 and 3623 belong to this family.

At first glance they seem easy to identify: simply count the studs. Yet when working with old or second‑hand pieces, things can be more complicated.

Between similar colours, yellowing, possible manufacturing variants and wear defects, finding the exact right part sometimes requires greater precision.

At Deparkatre, we specialise in selling new and used LEGO parts. To help sort and identify them, we use our own shape recognition software, physical colour swatches and inspection tools.

Here’s how to recognise these three references and avoid mistakes when buying.

1. What is a LEGO plate?

In LEGO vocabulary, a plate is a construction plate thinner than a standard brick.

Its height, excluding studs, corresponds approximately to one third of that of a standard brick.

You should distinguish three main categories:

- Brick: the classic brick. - Plate: a thin plate with studs. - Tile: a piece generally smooth on top.

These differences are essential when searching for a missing piece.

For example, a 2 × 4 brick and a 2 × 4 plate both have eight studs, but their heights are not the same.

To find the correct part number, you therefore need to observe the shape, the dimensions and the height.

2. LEGO 3020: the 2 × 4 plate

The part number **3020** corresponds to a rectangular plate two studs wide and four studs long.

It therefore has eight studs.

This piece is used in many constructions, notably to join several elements, strengthen structures or adjust the height of an assembly.

How to recognise it?

The 3020 plate measures approximately 32 mm in length by 16 mm in width.

It is much thinner than a classic brick.

The most frequent confusion concerns part number 3001, which denotes a 2 × 4 brick.

Although these two parts both have eight studs, they do not have the same height and do not fulfil exactly the same function.

Attention to colour

Part number 3020 exists in many colours.

To complete a set, it is therefore not enough to find a 2 × 4 plate: you also need to select the correct shade.

This is particularly important for the older LEGO greys, which can be confused with the more recent bluish greys.

Ageing and yellowing can also change the appearance of a piece.

3. LEGO 3024: the 1 × 1 plate

Reference **3024** refers to a square plate with a single stud.

It measures approximately 8 mm by 8 mm.

Despite its small size, it is used in many assemblies to adjust a height, create a detail or make a fixing.

How to avoid confusion?

The 3024 plate can be confused with two other common part numbers:

- The 1 × 1 brick, part number 3005, which is taller. - The 1 × 1 tile, part number 3070, which has a smooth top surface.

To correctly identify a 3024 plate, therefore check its height and the presence of the stud.

The same family of parts can have several numbers

Specialist catalogues also associate numbers such as 28554, 30008 and 63326 with this family.

It is therefore possible to encounter several designations depending on the catalogues and the manufacturing generations.

This does not mean that all manufacturing characteristics are necessarily identical.

You must distinguish the reference used to classify the piece in a catalogue from any specific moulding particularities.

4. LEGO 3623: the 1 × 3 plate

Part number **3623** corresponds to a plate three studs long and one stud wide.

It measures approximately 24 mm by 8 mm.

Its elongated shape is particularly useful for making assemblies that require a dimension intermediate between a 1 × 2 plate and a 1 × 4 plate.

Beware of confusing it with a brick

Part number 3622 denotes a classic 1 × 3 brick.

Part number 3623 corresponds to a 1 × 3 plate.

Their length and width are similar, but their height differs.

A confusion between these two part numbers can be enough to prevent the completion of a building step.

Again, colour should be checked independently of the shape.

5. Comparative table of references

| Reference | Type of part | Dimensions | Studs | |---|---|---|---| | 3020 | Plate 2 × 4 | 32 × 16 mm | 8 | | 3024 | Plate 1 × 1 | 8 × 8 mm | 1 | | 3623 | Plate 1 × 3 | 24 × 8 mm | 3 | | 3001 | Brick 2 × 4 | 32 × 16 mm | 8 | | 3005 | Brick 1 × 1 | 8 × 8 mm | 1 | | 3622 | Brick 1 × 3 | 24 × 8 mm | 3 |

*The dimensions shown correspond to the nominal length and width of the LEGO system, excluding height and studs.*

6. How do we identify LEGO parts at Deparkatre?

When working with large quantities of LEGO parts, systematically reading every moulded number is not always the most practical method.

Some part numbers are very small, their inscriptions are difficult to distinguish and several pieces can have very similar shapes.

It is notably to facilitate this step that we have developed **our own shape recognition software**.

An in-house developed software

At Deparkatre, we use in-house software to help us recognise parts from their shape.

This tool eases our identification and cataloguing work.

It allows us to rely on computer assistance rather than solely on reading the small numbers on the parts.

Shape recognition thus forms part of our working method.

However, correctly identifying a part is not limited to recognising its geometry.

You must also check the colour, its condition and, where necessary, any manufacturing variants.

Why not simply read the number moulded on the part?

Some LEGO parts bear a moulded number in the plastic, often located on their underside or inside.

But this inscription is not always easily readable.

On a 1 × 1 plate, for example, the reduced dimensions complicate observation.

Moreover, the moulded number can sometimes differ from the main reference used in a specialist catalogue.

That is why we favour identification by cross-checking several pieces of information, rather than relying on a single element.

7. How do we distinguish old LEGO greys?

This is one of the classic difficulties of sorting used parts.

LEGO has used several generations of greys, notably:

- Light Gray, the old light grey. - Light Bluish Gray, the more recent light bluish grey. - Dark Gray, the old dark grey. - Dark Bluish Gray, the more recent dark bluish grey.

In a photograph, these colours can appear almost identical.

Lighting, camera quality and screen settings can also alter their appearance.

Our method: a true physical colour chart

At Deparkatre, we use a **physical colour sample book**, made up of reference pieces.

When a colour is difficult to identify, we can compare it directly with a piece whose shade is known.

This method is particularly useful for greys and older colours.

It allows working with real references rather than relying solely on colours shown on a screen.

The problem of yellowing

Ageing can also complicate identification.

A white plate can gradually take on a yellowish tint.

Some grey pieces can also show colour changes.

You must therefore distinguish a genuine LEGO colour from a piece discoloured by time.

**A yellowed piece does not become a new LEGO colour reference.**

This distinction is important when you want to restore a set faithfully.

8. Which defects make us reject a used LEGO part?

Buying used parts allows you to complete constructions, notably older ones, without necessarily purchasing new elements.

But not all used parts are in an acceptable condition.

At Deparkatre, we apply demanding inspection criteria.

Certain defects lead to the rejection of a part during sorting.

Bite marks

Bite marks constitute a significant defect.

They can deform the plastic and leave deep marks.

A piece showing tooth marks does not meet our selection criteria.

Yellowing

We exclude parts that show yellowing.

This defect is particularly visible on white or light plates and bricks.

Yellowing can impair the appearance of a build, notably when replacing a piece among other elements of uniform colour.

Breaks

A broken piece is refused.

Even when an element still seems usable, a break can compromise its strength or its ability to join.

Significant scratches

A used piece can show small marks.

However, we refuse pieces that show significant scratches.

We aim to preserve a good level of aesthetic quality for the elements we offer.

Stains and felt-tip marks

Stains, persistent marks and felt-pen marks are also grounds for rejection.

Some marks can be difficult to remove without risking damage to the plastic.

We therefore prefer to exclude elements that do not meet our criteria.

The microscope as an inspection tool

To examine certain details, we also use a microscope.

It allows a more precise observation of the condition of surfaces or features that are hard to see with the naked eye.

These various inspections contribute to our quality approach.

We remain nevertheless transparent: despite our vigilance and the tools used, an error can exceptionally occur.

In such a case, we offer a replacement when possible or a refund.

9. Why do grey and white plates deserve particular attention?

Grey or white plates and bricks occupy an important place in sorting and identification work.

These colours are used in many LEGO constructions.

But they also present particular difficulties.

White plates

The main problem is yellowing.

An old white plate can show a different colouring from that of a recent piece.

The difference becomes particularly visible when several elements are assembled side by side.

Grey plates

The issue concerns especially differences between old and new shades.

A Light Gray plate and a Light Bluish Gray plate do not correspond to the same colour, even if they look very similar at first sight.

To restore a set correctly, you therefore need to take the time to identify the correct generation of grey.

At Deparkatre, our physical colour sample book helps us make this distinction.

10. Mould variants: what you need to know?

The moulds used to manufacture LEGO parts can evolve over the years.

Some modifications are discreet and do not necessarily affect the use of a part.

Others can be of interest to collectors.

For references 3020, 3024 and 3623, you must notably distinguish the general information available in catalogues from the precise variants sought for a restoration.

We do not claim that all parts bearing the same reference have exactly the same mould nor that every version presents a functional difference.

When a precise manufacturing variant is important for your project, it is preferable to check it before ordering.

**Our advice:** for a classic build, first search for the correct reference and colour. To restore a collector’s set, also check the manufacturing characteristics that matter to you.

11. Where to buy LEGO plates 3020, 3024 and 3623?

These three part numbers can be searched for in catalogues of spare LEGO parts.

At Deparkatre, we offer new and used parts depending on availability.

We aim to simplify purchasing, notably for people who wish to order just a few elements.

No minimum order

You can buy a single piece if it is available.

We do not impose any minimum purchase amount.

Economical shipping

For eligible small orders, we offer tracked letter shipping from €2.60 within France, according to our October 2026 rates.

The applicable rate depends notably on the weight and dimensions of the order.

After-sales service

If you encounter a problem with a reference, colour or condition, we will look for a solution.

We replace the part when possible or proceed to a refund.

Search for a part in our shop

You can search directly for references 3020, 3024 and 3623 on our website.

If you do not know the reference of the missing part, we also offer a tool allowing you to search for the parts composing a LEGO set from its number.

**Find the missing parts of my LEGO set**

12. Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between LEGO 3020 and LEGO 3001?

Part number 3020 denotes a 2 × 4 plate, whereas part number 3001 corresponds to a classic 2 × 4 brick. They both have eight studs, but their height differs.

What is the reference number of a 1 × 1 LEGO plate?

The commonly used part number is 3024. Other numbers associated with this family exist in specialist catalogues.

What is the difference between LEGO 3622 and 3623?

Part number 3622 denotes a 1 × 3 brick, whereas part number 3623 corresponds to a thinner 1 × 3 plate.

How to recognise an old LEGO plate?

Start by identifying its shape and part number. Then check its colour and, if necessary, its manufacturing particularities.

Can old LEGO greys be distinguished with the naked eye?

Sometimes, but it is not always reliable. At Deparkatre, we use a physical colour sample book to facilitate these comparisons.

Can you buy a single LEGO plate?

Yes. At Deparkatre, there is no minimum order.

Conclusion: a simple part can require precise identification

The LEGO part numbers 3020, 3024 and 3623 are classic plates used in a multitude of constructions.

Their shape is relatively simple to recognise, but a complete identification may require greater precision.

Colour, condition, yellowing and any manufacturing particularities play an important role, especially for older parts.

At Deparkatre, we rely on our sorting experience, our in-house shape-recognition software, physical colour swatches and inspection tools to offer correctly identified parts.

Our goal is simple: to enable every builder to find the parts they need, in the right colour and in a condition that meets our quality criteria.

**Are you looking for a LEGO plate 3020, 3024 or 3623?**

Discover our shop for new and used LEGO parts.

Find the missing parts from your LEGO set.

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*Article written from the experience of the Deparkatre team in sorting, inspecting and selling new and used LEGO parts.*

*Technical references: LEGO and BrickLink catalogues.*

*LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO Group. Deparkatre is an independent shop, not affiliated with the LEGO Group.*