Getting Started with Aspect Ratios

May 20, 2024

Aspect ratios are the foundation of visual composition in digital media. Simply put, an aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It's most often expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, like 16:9.

Why Does It Matter?

Choosing the correct aspect ratio ensures your content is displayed as intended, without distortion, cropping, or those ugly black bars.

  • For Video: A 16:9 ratio is the standard for YouTube and modern TVs, while a 9:16 ratio is perfect for mobile-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories.
  • For Photography: A 3:2 ratio is common for DSLR cameras, while 4:5 is often preferred for portrait prints and Instagram posts.

This calculator is designed to help you navigate these standards effortlessly.