Video & Cinema • 4:3
What is 4:3 aspect ratio?
4:3 (four-by-three) is the traditional "fullscreen" aspect ratio used in older televisions, computer monitors, and still photography. For every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height.
Basic Definition:
- Ratio: 4:3
- Decimal: 1.33:1 (4 ÷ 3 = 1.333...)
- Shape: Nearly square, more boxy than modern widescreen
- Also Called: Fullscreen, standard definition, academy ratio
What 4:3 Looks Like:
4:3 is more square-shaped than modern widescreen formats. It's noticeably taller relative to its width compared to 16:9.
Example dimensions that are all 4:3:
- 1024 x 768
- 1600 x 1200
- 2048 x 1536
- 4 inches x 3 inches
Common 4:3 Resolutions:
Computer Displays:
- 640 x 480 (VGA)
- 800 x 600 (SVGA)
- 1024 x 768 (XGA)
- 1280 x 960 (SXGA)
- 1600 x 1200 (UXGA)
Video:
- 720 x 480 (NTSC DVD)
- 720 x 576 (PAL DVD)
- 640 x 480 (Standard definition)
Photography:
- Many digital cameras
- Micro Four Thirds cameras
- Some smartphone cameras
Where 4:3 Is Still Used:
Photography:
- Digital camera sensors (many models)
- Micro Four Thirds system
- Some mirrorless cameras
- Smartphone cameras (photo mode)
Tablets:
- iPad (most models use close to 4:3)
- Some Android tablets
- e-Readers
- Better for reading and apps
Professional Displays:
- Medical imaging
- Industrial applications
- POS systems
- Some security monitors
Projectors:
- Older business projectors
- Some educational projectors
- Legacy installations
Retro Gaming:
- Classic console games
- Arcade emulation
- Retro gaming monitors
- Preserving original aspect ratio
History of 4:3:
1892: Thomas Edison chose roughly 4:3 for motion pictures
1940s-2000s: Dominant TV aspect ratio
1950s: Film moved to widescreen, but TV stayed 4:3
1990s-2000s: Computer monitors primarily 4:3
2000s: Gradual shift to 16:9 widescreen
2010s: 4:3 largely replaced by 16:9, except in photography/tablets
Why 4:3 Was Standard:
1. Historical Precedent
- Early film cameras used roughly 4:3
- TV adopted the same ratio
- Became entrenched standard
2. Practical for Broadcasting
- Good frame composition
- Balanced for talking heads
- Efficient use of CRT screen space
3. Manufacturing
- CRT tubes naturally suited to 4:3
- Cost-effective to produce
- Easy to standardize
4. Content Creation
- Cinematography framing techniques
- Natural for human subjects
- Good for various content types
4:3 vs. Modern Aspect Ratios:
4:3 vs. 16:9 (Widescreen):
- 16:9 is 33% wider relative to height
- 16:9 better for movies and peripheral vision
- 4:3 more vertical space
- 4:3 feels "boxy" now
4:3 vs. 3:2 (Photography):
- 3:2 is slightly wider (1.5:1 vs 1.33:1)
- Both common in photography
- 3:2 from 35mm film standard
- 4:3 from digital sensors
4:3 vs. 1:1 (Square):
- 1:1 is perfectly square
- 4:3 slightly wider
- Both used on Instagram
- Different compositional styles
Advantages of 4:3:
- ✅More Vertical Space: Better for documents, web browsing, reading
- ✅Good for Photos: Many cameras use 4:3
- ✅Tablet Ideal: Perfect for iPad-style devices
- ✅Retro Content: Authentic for classic TV/games
- ✅Portrait Mode: Works well rotated vertical
- ✅Professional Apps: Medical, industrial displays
Disadvantages of 4:3:
- ❌Outdated for Video: Modern content is 16:9
- ❌Letterboxing: Movies have huge black bars
- ❌Gaming Compatibility: Most games optimized for 16:9
- ❌Looks Old: Associated with older technology
- ❌Limited Availability: Hard to find new 4:3 displays
- ❌Content Pillarboxing: Widescreen content has black bars on sides
When to Use 4:3:
- ✅Photography: When your camera shoots 4:3
- ✅Retro Content: Preserving classic TV shows/games
- ✅Tablet Apps: iPad development
- ✅Reading/Documents: More vertical space
- ✅Medical/Industrial: When equipment requires it
- ✅Artistic Choice: Specific aesthetic
When NOT to Use 4:3:
- ❌YouTube Videos: Platform expects 16:9
- ❌Modern TV/Film: Industry standard is 16:9 or wider
- ❌Gaming: Most games don't support 4:3
- ❌Streaming: Viewers expect widescreen
- ❌General Video Production: Unless specifically retro
4:3 in Photography:
Many digital cameras still shoot 4:3:
- Micro Four Thirds system (Olympus, Panasonic)
- Some Panasonic cameras
- Smartphone cameras (photo mode)
- Certain mirrorless cameras
Why photographers like 4:3:
- More vertical space for portraits
- Closer to classic medium format
- Efficient use of sensor
- Natural framing for many subjects
4:3 on iPads:
Most iPads use approximately 4:3:
- iPad Pro 12.9": 2048 x 2732 (closer to 3:4)
- iPad Air: Similar ratio
- iPad mini: Similar ratio
Benefits for tablets:
- Better for reading in portrait
- Good for apps in any orientation
- More usable space than 16:9
- Natural for touch interfaces
Pillarboxing vs. Letterboxing:
Pillarboxing (4:3 content on 16:9 screen):
- Black bars on left and right
- Happens when playing old TV shows on modern TVs
Letterboxing (16:9 content on 4:3 screen):
- Black bars on top and bottom
- Happens when playing modern movies on old TVs
Converting Between 4:3 and 16:9:
From 4:3 to 16:9:
- Crop top/bottom (loses content)
- Pillarbox with black bars (preserves content)
- Stretch (distorts image,don't do this!)
From 16:9 to 4:3:
- Crop sides (loses content)
- Letterbox with black bars (preserves content)
- Squeeze (distorts image,don't do this!)
Professional Use Cases:
Medical Imaging:
- Many medical displays still 4:3
- Diagnostic monitors
- X-ray viewing
- More vertical detail
POS/Retail:
- Point-of-sale systems
- Cash register displays
- Inventory systems
Industrial:
- Control panels
- Manufacturing interfaces
- Specialized applications
The Future of 4:3:
4:3 is largely obsolete for video but survives in:
- Photography (sensor standard)
- Tablets (better for apps)
- Specialized professional displays
- Retro gaming/content preservation
Unlikely to return as mainstream video standard.
Calculate perfect 4:3 dimensions using our 4:3 calculator or general aspect ratio calculator.
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