1.90:1 Aspect Ratio Calculator - IMAX Digital DCI Format Tool

Frequently Asked Questions about 1.90:1 Aspect Ratio

What is the 1.90:1 aspect ratio?

The 1.90:1 aspect ratio means the width is 1.90 times the height, creating a wide rectangular frame specifically designed for IMAX Digital cinema exhibition. This ratio was introduced with IMAX's digital projection systems and serves as the official IMAX Digital Cinema standard.

In decimal form, 1.90:1 equals 1.90 (width) to 1 (height). The format bridges traditional theatrical flat (1.85:1) and classic IMAX film (1.43:1), offering significantly more screen height than standard cinema whilst remaining practical for digital projection technology.

Unlike traditional IMAX film which uses a nearly square 1.43:1 format, IMAX Digital adopted 1.90:1 to accommodate modern digital projector capabilities and provide a consistent premium experience across IMAX Digital theatres worldwide.

Key measurements:

• Approximately 3% wider than 1.85:1 theatrical flat
• About 11% more vertical space than standard 16:9 (1.78:1) television
• Creates a noticeably taller, more immersive image than conventional widescreen

Visually, 1.90:1 provides expanded vertical framing compared to conventional widescreen, allowing filmmakers to show more sky, ceiling architecture, or standing figures in frame. Many major blockbusters are now mastered specifically for 1.90:1 IMAX Digital presentation, with select sequences opening up to fill the expanded vertical space.

How does 1.90:1 compare to 16:9 aspect ratio?

The 1.90:1 and 16:9 aspect ratios differ noticeably in width and height proportions. Numerically, 1.90:1 equals 1.90 whilst 16:9 equals approximately 1.78, making 1.90:1 about 7% wider than 16:9 for the same height.

Pixel comparison:

• At 1080p: 16:9 = 1920×1080 (standard HD) vs 1.90:1 = 2052×1080 (132 pixels wider)
• At 4K: 16:9 = 3840×2160 vs 1.90:1 = 4104×2160 (264 pixels wider)

This difference is meaningful in practical viewing. When watching 1.90:1 IMAX Digital content on a standard 16:9 television, letterbox bars (black bars top and bottom) appear, reducing the active viewing area by approximately 6.5%. Conversely, when 16:9 content is projected in a 1.90:1 IMAX theatre, pillarbox bars (black bars left and right) appear.

The 1.90:1 format was specifically designed for premium large format cinema exhibition on IMAX Digital screens, whilst 16:9 was standardised for HDTV broadcasting and consumer displays.

Which to choose:

• Use 16:9 for television or streaming (not IMAX theatrical)
• Use 1.90:1 for IMAX Digital exhibition

For filmmakers, 1.90:1 offers expanded vertical framing compared to 16:9, allowing taller compositions that showcase architecture, landscapes with sky, or full-standing human figures more effectively. Streaming platforms typically preserve 1.90:1 theatrical framing for IMAX Enhanced content, accepting the letterbox bars to maintain the filmmaker's intended composition.

What resolution corresponds to 1.90:1 aspect ratio?

The 1.90:1 aspect ratio corresponds to various resolutions depending on target height. The mathematical relationship is: Width = Height × 1.90.

Common 1.90:1 pixel dimensions:

• HD height (1080p): 2052×1080 (IMAX Digital HD standard)
• DCI 2K: 2048×1078 (close approximation for 2K digital cinema)
• QHD height (1440p): 2736×1440 (high-resolution video production)
• 4K UHD height (2160p): 4104×2160 (IMAX Digital 4K)
• DCI 4K: 4096×2156 (DCI standard at 1.90:1 ratio)
• High-end production: 2660×1400, 3420×1800

For IMAX Digital cinema exhibition:

• IMAX Digital 2K: approximately 2048×1078 to 2052×1080 depending on projection system
• IMAX Digital 4K: approximately 4096×2156 to 4104×2160

Unlike traditional flat (1.85:1) or scope (2.39:1) cinema formats, 1.90:1 is specifically associated with IMAX Digital projection systems rather than DCI specifications, though content is often mastered at DCI-compatible resolutions.

Recommended for IMAX Digital mastering:

• Use 2052×1080 for HD projects
• Use 2736×1440 for QHD intermediate work
• Use 4104×2160 for 4K masters

For home video with IMAX Enhanced branding, many streaming services deliver 1.90:1 content at 2052×1080 or 4104×2160 to preserve the IMAX Digital theatrical framing. Note that on consumer 16:9 displays, 1.90:1 content displays with letterbox bars.

Which movies use the 1.90:1 aspect ratio?

Many major blockbuster films have been mastered for 1.90:1 IMAX Digital presentation, particularly in select sequences or entire films.

Marvel Cinematic Universe films:

• Avengers: Endgame
• Avengers: Infinity War
• Captain America: Civil War
• Black Panther
• Thor: Ragnarok
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

These films expanded key action sequences to 1.90:1 for IMAX Digital screens (some used 1.43:1 for IMAX 70mm film but 1.90:1 for IMAX Digital).

Christopher Nolan films:

• The Dark Knight Rises
• Interstellar
• Dunkirk
• Tenet

All included IMAX-shot sequences, with the IMAX Digital versions presented at 1.90:1 (whilst IMAX 70mm used 1.43:1).

Other notable films:

• Dune (2021) - Denis Villeneuve mastered select sequences at 1.90:1
• Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water - James Cameron presented at 1.90:1 for IMAX Digital
• Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Dead Reckoning Part One - Featured sequences shot specifically for IMAX Digital
• Star Wars sequel trilogy - The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker
• Top Gun: Maverick - Certain flight sequences at 1.90:1

The practice of "IMAX DMR" (Digital Media Remastering) allows films to be optimized for IMAX Digital's 1.90:1 format, even if not originally shot with IMAX cameras. Many directors now shoot knowing that IMAX Digital presentations will open to 1.90:1, framing accordingly to take advantage of the expanded vertical space.

How to calculate or convert to 1.90:1 aspect ratio?

To calculate or convert to 1.90:1 aspect ratio, use these formulas:

Basic formulas:

• If you have width: Height = Width ÷ 1.90
• If you have height: Width = Height × 1.90

Step-by-step examples:

Starting with width of 4104 pixels:

• Height = 4104 ÷ 1.90 = 2160 pixels
• Result: 4104×2160
• Verification: 4104 ÷ 2160 = 1.90 ✓

Starting with height of 1080 pixels:

• Width = 1080 × 1.90 = 2052 pixels
• Result: 2052×1080
• Verification: 2052 ÷ 1080 = 1.90 ✓

To verify existing dimensions: Divide width by height. If result ≈ 1.90, it's correct (2736 ÷ 1440 = 1.90 ✓).

Converting from other ratios to 1.90:1:

• From 16:9 (1.78:1): Crop approximately 6.5% from top and bottom
• From 1.85:1: Add approximately 2.5% to width or crop slightly from height
• From 2.39:1: Significant vertical expansion needed (approximately 26% more height) or crop from sides
• From 1.43:1 IMAX film: Crop approximately 25% from top and bottom

Practical tips:

• Always round to even numbers (divisible by 2) for video codec compatibility
• For IMAX Digital mastering, work at 4K (4104×2160) even if final delivery is HD
• Decide whether to crop (lose content) or letterbox/pillarbox (add black bars)

This calculator automates 1.90:1 calculations whilst maintaining pixel-perfect accuracy and codec-compatible dimensions for IMAX Digital exhibition.

What is the relation between 1.90:1 and IMAX aspect ratio?

The relationship between 1.90:1 and "IMAX aspect ratio" is nuanced because IMAX uses multiple aspect ratios depending on projection technology.

IMAX Digital (1.90:1):

• Introduced in the early 2000s as IMAX transitioned from film-based to digital projection systems
• Official standard for IMAX Digital cinema projection
• Accommodates digital projector capabilities whilst providing a taller, more immersive image than conventional theatrical formats
• Now the standard for IMAX Digital theatres worldwide

IMAX 70mm Film (1.43:1):

• The original IMAX format using massive 70mm film running horizontally through the projector
• Creates an almost square image with exceptional resolution and immersion
• Limited to select IMAX 70mm-capable theatres (very rare today)
• Films like Dunkirk, Interstellar, and Oppenheimer included sequences shot specifically for 1.43:1

When a film includes both formats:

Directors like Christopher Nolan shoot key sequences with IMAX film cameras (1.43:1) but most theatres exhibit the film in IMAX Digital (1.90:1). The 1.43:1 sequences are cropped top and bottom to fit 1.90:1 Digital screens.

IMAX Enhanced home video:

For streaming and home video, content certified as "IMAX Enhanced" typically uses 1.90:1 to preserve as much of the IMAX theatrical framing as possible on consumer displays (since 1.43:1 would result in severe pillarboxing on 16:9 TVs).

Summary: 1.90:1 is the IMAX Digital standard, offering expanded vertical framing compared to conventional cinema. It's not the original IMAX ratio (that's 1.43:1), but it's the most common IMAX format in modern theatres and home viewing.

Is 1.90:1 aspect ratio good for video or cinematic filming?

Yes, the 1.90:1 aspect ratio is excellent for cinematic filming when targeting premium large format exhibition, particularly IMAX Digital screens, or when creating content for IMAX Enhanced streaming platforms.

Advantages of 1.90:1 for cinematic filming:

• Premium exhibition format: Official IMAX Digital standard, displays optimally on IMAX Digital screens worldwide
• Expanded vertical framing: Significantly more vertical screen space than conventional 1.85:1 or 2.39:1 theatrical formats
• Immersive viewing experience: Creates a more enveloping viewing environment on large-format screens
• IMAX Enhanced streaming: Major streaming services support IMAX Enhanced content at 1.90:1
• Compositional flexibility: Wide enough for epic landscapes, yet tall enough for vertical subjects

Disadvantages and considerations:

• Letterboxing on 16:9 displays: Content displays with letterbox bars (approximately 6.5% of vertical space)
• Niche theatrical format: Only IMAX Digital theatres and some premium large format screens exhibit 1.90:1 optimally
• Production considerations: Must frame for 1.90:1 whilst considering how the image will be cropped for other formats

Best use cases for 1.90:1:

• Theatrical blockbusters destined for IMAX Digital release
• Premium streaming content certified as IMAX Enhanced
• Films emphasising spectacle, scale, and immersive environments
• When vertical framing is creatively important (architecture, nature, standing figures)

Avoid 1.90:1 for:

• Standard web video or social media (use 16:9 or vertical formats)
• Television broadcast (use 16:9)
• Intimate character dramas not requiring vertical expansion
• Projects without access to IMAX Digital or premium large format exhibition

Verdict: 1.90:1 is an excellent choice for high-budget cinematic productions targeting premium theatrical exhibition and streaming platforms, offering a distinctive immersive quality. However, it's less practical for general-purpose video content.

Can I crop my photo or video to 1.90:1 without losing quality?

Yes, you can crop photos or videos to 1.90:1 aspect ratio without losing quality in terms of pixel sharpness, but you will lose some of your original composition.

What "without losing quality" means:

• No pixel degradation: Cropping is a lossless operation-the pixels that remain are unchanged in sharpness, detail, and quality
• Resolution loss: You'll reduce total pixel count because you're discarding parts of the image
• Compositional impact: You will lose some of your original framing

Cropping to 1.90:1 from other ratios:

• From 16:9 (1.78:1): Crop approximately 6.5% from the top and bottom, losing vertical content
• From 2.39:1: Significant vertical expansion needed-you cannot crop to a taller ratio from a wider one
• From 1.85:1: Minimal cropping (~2.5% from top/bottom) required
• From 1.43:1 (IMAX film): Crop approximately 25% from top and bottom (significant compositional change)

Practical workflow for cropping to 1.90:1:

1. Determine original dimensions: For example, 3840×2160 (16:9)
2. Calculate 1.90:1 dimensions at same width: 3840 ÷ 1.90 = 2021 pixels height (removes 139 pixels or 6.4% from top and bottom)
3. Apply crop in editing software: Use non-destructive cropping tools in Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Photoshop, or Lightroom
4. Center the crop vertically or adjust based on subject placement to preserve important elements
5. Export with same codec quality settings to maintain pixel fidelity

When cropping makes sense:

• Your original content has adequate vertical framing (no important subject matter at edges)
• You're mastering for IMAX Digital or IMAX Enhanced distribution
• Your composition benefits from the taller 1.90:1 format (vertical subjects like skyscrapers, standing figures)

When to avoid cropping to 1.90:1:

• Important content would be cut off
• Your original ratio is already wider than 1.90:1 (like 2.39:1)
• You need to preserve the original framing for standard theatrical or streaming distribution

Conclusion: Cropping to 1.90:1 is technically lossless for pixel quality, but compositional loss is inevitable. Plan framing during shooting if you know you'll deliver in 1.90:1, allowing "safe areas" to accommodate cropping. Always keep original uncropped masters for flexibility.