Aspect ratio formula calculator with steps

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Accepted Answer

Here's a complete step-by-step formula for calculating aspect ratio:

**Formula**: Aspect Ratio = Width : Height (simplified)

**Detailed Steps**:

**Step 1**: Identify your dimensions
- Example: 1920 width × 1080 height

**Step 2**: Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD)
- List factors of 1920: ..., 120, 240, 480, 960, 1920
- List factors of 1080: ..., 120, 216, 360, 540, 1080
- GCD = 120

**Step 3**: Divide both dimensions by GCD
- Width: 1920 ÷ 120 = 16
- Height: 1080 ÷ 120 = 9

**Step 4**: Express as ratio
- **Result: 16:9**

**Alternative decimal method**:
- 1920 ÷ 1080 = 1.777... ≈ **1.78:1** or **16:9**

**Quick verification**: 16 ÷ 9 = 1.777... ✓

**Complete Worked Examples:**

**Example 1: 2560×1440**

1. **Dimensions**: 2560 × 1440
2. **Find GCD**:
   - Factors of 2560: 80, 160, 320...
   - Factors of 1440: 80, 160, 240...
   - GCD = 80
3. **Divide by GCD**:
   - 2560 ÷ 80 = 32
   - 1440 ÷ 80 = 18
4. **Simplify further**: 32:18 = 16:9
5. **Result: 16:9**

**Example 2: 1080×1080**

1. **Dimensions**: 1080 × 1080
2. **Find GCD**: 1080
3. **Divide by GCD**:
   - 1080 ÷ 1080 = 1
   - 1080 ÷ 1080 = 1
4. **Result: 1:1** (square)

**Example 3: 2560×1080**

1. **Dimensions**: 2560 × 1080
2. **Decimal**: 2560 ÷ 1080 = 2.37
3. **Find GCD**: 40
4. **Divide by GCD**:
   - 2560 ÷ 40 = 64
   - 1080 ÷ 40 = 27
5. **Simplify**: 64:27 ≈ **21:9**

**Using Our Calculator:**

Instead of manual calculation:
1. Enter width (e.g., 1920)
2. Enter height (e.g., 1080)
3. Get instant result: **16:9**

The calculator automatically finds the GCD and simplifies to the cleanest ratio format!

**When to Use Each Method:**

✅ **Decimal method** - Quick approximation (1.78 ≈ 16:9)
✅ **GCD method** - Precise simplified ratio (16:9)
✅ **Calculator** - Instant, accurate, no math required

**Common Pitfalls to Avoid:**

❌ Reversing width and height (9:16 vs 16:9 are different!)
❌ Not simplifying (32:18 should be 16:9)
❌ Rounding too early (1.78 could be 16:9 or other ratios)
❌ Confusing resolution with aspect ratio (1080p is a resolution, 16:9 is the ratio)

Aspect ratio formula calculator with steps

Complete Worked Examples:

Example 1: 2560×1440

Example 2: 1080×1080

Example 3: 2560×1080

Using Our Calculator:

When to Use Each Method:

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

Related Resources

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