The illustration to the right depicts the leading troop of a cuirassier squadron in Column of Fours.  The first three ranks (rows) form the first division while ranks four-six form the second division of the troop.

At the head of the leading troop of the squadron is a Lieutenant and a Maréchal des Logis.  The right-hand trooper of the first rank is a brigadier (non-commissioned officer); a brigadier also on the left-hand of the fifth rank.  A Maréchal des Logis Chef is an outrider to the right of the boundary between the first and second divisions (equivalent to a section).

Each mount occupies one meter of frontage, with spacing between troopers almost touching stirrups - nominally 25cm.  A column of four occupies a width of 5 meters plus the outrider Maréchal des Logis Chef.

Length of this formation illustrated to the right is approximately 22 meters, with distance between horses and ranks proportional.