Video & Cinema • Common Video Formats
What is the difference between 16:9 and 4:3?
16:9 and 4:3 are two different aspect ratios that create very different shapes. Here's everything you need to know about the differences.
Side-by-Side Comparison:
| Aspect | 16:9 | 4:3 |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Wide rectangle | More square |
| Width:Height ratio | 1.78:1 | 1.33:1 |
| Common use | Modern TVs, computers, YouTube | Older TVs, vintage content |
| Width (at 1080p height) | 1920 pixels | 1440 pixels |
| Examples | 1920×1080, 2560×1440 | 1024×768, 800×600 |
| Era | 2000s–present | 1950s–2000s |
Visual Difference:
16:9 (Widescreen):
- Much wider than it is tall
- Rectangular shape
- Better for modern displays
- More immersive viewing experience
4:3 (Standard):
- Almost square-like shape
- More compact vertically
- Used on older monitors and TVs
- Less horizontal space for content
The Math:
16:9 calculation:
- 16 ÷ 9 = 1.78
- Means width is 1.78 times the height
- Very wide rectangle
4:3 calculation:
- 4 ÷ 3 = 1.33
- Means width is 1.33 times the height
- More square-like
The Difference in Pixels:
For the same height (1080 pixels):
- 16:9 width: 1920 pixels
- 4:3 width: 1440 pixels
- Difference: 480 pixels wider with 16:9
Why the Change Happened:
Why 4:3 was standard:
- ✅Matched film formats from the 1950s
- ✅Worked with older camera technology
- ✅Standard for CRT televisions
- ✅Fit broadcast standards of the era
Why 16:9 became standard:
- ✅Better for cinema and movies
- ✅More immersive viewing experience
- ✅Matches modern camera sensors
- ✅Natural for widescreen displays
- ✅Became HD and streaming standard
How Content Displays Differently:
On a 16:9 screen:
- 16:9 content: Fills the entire screen perfectly
- 4:3 content: Has black bars on the sides (pillarboxing)
On a 4:3 screen:
- 4:3 content: Fills the entire screen perfectly
- 16:9 content: Has black bars on top and bottom (letterboxing)
Common Examples:
16:9 devices/content:
- Modern flat-screen TVs
- Computer monitors and laptops
- YouTube videos
- Netflix, streaming services
- HD and 4K cameras
- Smartphones
4:3 devices/content:
- Old CRT televisions
- Vintage computer monitors
- VHS recordings
- Old security camera footage
- Vintage movies on DVD
- iPad (original models)
Using Both Ratios:
When to use 16:9:
- Modern videos and streaming
- YouTube uploads
- Television broadcasts
- Gaming content
- Most online video
When to use 4:3:
- Archival content (historical footage)
- Vintage film restoration
- Content for older devices
- Specific broadcasting requirements
- Professional archival work
Converting Between Ratios:
If you need to convert content:
From 4:3 to 16:9:
- Option 1: Crop the sides (loses content)
- Option 2: Add black bars (preserves content)
- Option 3: Zoom and crop (loses content)
From 16:9 to 4:3:
- Option 1: Crop top and bottom (loses content)
- Option 2: Add black bars (preserves content)
- Option 3: Zoom and crop (loses content)
Pro Tip: When converting, adding black bars (letterboxing/pillarboxing) always preserves the original content without loss.
Key Takeaway:
The main difference is the shape:
- 16:9 is much wider - 1.78 times as wide as it is tall
- 4:3 is more square - 1.33 times as wide as it is tall
Today, 16:9 is the universal standard. You'll only encounter 4:3 with older content or vintage devices. For any new content, use 16:9.
Related Resources
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