Aspect Ratio Chart - Full List of Common Aspect Ratios
This aspect ratio chart shows a full list of the most common aspect ratios used in video, cinema, photography, monitors, and social media. Use it as a quick reference to find the right proportions and resolutions for your project.
If you need to calculate or convert a custom ratio, you can use the Aspect Ratio Calculator to get exact values for any width and height.
What is an aspect ratio?
The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It is usually written as two numbers separated by a colon, like 16:9 or 4:3. For example, a 16:9 screen is 16 units wide for every 9 units of height.
Even if the actual resolution changes (for example, from 1280×720 to 1920×1080), the aspect ratio can stay the same as long as the width and height keep the same proportion.
Common aspect ratio chart
The table below includes the most common aspect ratios, their decimal equivalents, and example resolutions with typical use cases.
| Aspect Ratio | Decimal | Example Resolution | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:9 | 1.78 | 1920×1080 | HD/Full HD video, YouTube, TV, most monitors |
| 4:3 | 1.33 | 1024×768 | Old TV, retro video, some projectors |
| 21:9 | 2.33 | 3440×1440 | Ultrawide monitors, cinematic-style displays |
| 1:1 | 1.00 | 1080×1080 | Square images, social media posts |
| 3:2 | 1.50 | 6000×4000 | DSLR photography, some laptop screens |
| 9:16 | 0.56 | 1080×1920 | Vertical video, Stories, Reels, TikTok |
| 2.39:1 | 2.39 | 4096×1716 | Modern cinema scope (widescreen movies) |
| 2.35:1 | 2.35 | 2350×1000 (example) | Classic cinema scope |
| 5:4 | 1.25 | 1280×1024 | Older LCD monitors, some photography formats |
| 18:9 (2:1) | 2.00 | 1440×2880 | Modern smartphones, “tall” screens |
| 17:9 | 1.89 | 4096×2160 | DCI 4K cinema, professional video |
| 2.76:1 | 2.76 | 2760×1000 (example) | Ultra-wide historical film formats |
Popular aspect ratios by use case
Video & YouTube aspect ratios
For most online video platforms, the standard aspect ratio is 16:9. This includes resolutions such as 1280×720 (HD), 1920×1080 (Full HD), and 3840×2160 (4K UHD).
Vertical video for mobile-first platforms (like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts) usually uses 9:16, which is simply 16:9 rotated.
Cinema & widescreen aspect ratios
Traditional cinema uses wider aspect ratios such as 2.35:1 and 2.39:1, commonly known as “CinemaScope” or “Scope”. These ratios give movies a very wide, immersive look.
Extremely wide formats like 2.76:1 have been used in some historical films to create an even more dramatic panoramic feel.
Photography aspect ratios
In photography, popular aspect ratios include:
- 3:2 - common for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
- 4:3 - used by many compact and Micro Four Thirds cameras.
- 1:1 - often used for creative or social media shots.
Social media aspect ratios
Social media platforms use several different aspect ratios depending on the type of post:
- 1:1 - square posts (common on Instagram feeds).
- 4:5 - vertical photos on some feeds to take more screen height.
- 16:9 - horizontal video and landscape posts.
- 9:16 - full-screen vertical Stories, Reels, and Shorts.
How to use this aspect ratio chart
You can use this chart to quickly:
- Identify the correct aspect ratio for your project.
- Choose a resolution that matches your target platform.
- Avoid black bars or unwanted cropping when exporting video or images.
If you need a custom size, first decide the aspect ratio (for example 16:9 or 3:2), then choose any resolution that keeps the same proportion. For more precise calculations, use the Aspect Ratio Calculator to convert between width, height, and ratio.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common aspect ratio today?
The most common aspect ratio today is 16:9. It is the standard for TVs, computer monitors, streaming platforms, and most online video content.
What aspect ratio is best for YouTube?
The best aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9. Resolutions like 1920×1080, 2560×1440, or 3840×2160 all use this ratio and will fill the player without black bars.
What aspect ratio is best for vertical video?
For vertical video on mobile platforms (TikTok, Reels, Shorts), the best aspect ratio is 9:16. This fills the entire smartphone screen and gives the best viewing experience in portrait mode.
Can I convert between different aspect ratios?
Yes, but when you convert from one aspect ratio to another, part of the image may be cropped or you might get black bars. To calculate the new dimensions while keeping or changing the ratio, you can use the Aspect Ratio Calculator.
Does resolution change the aspect ratio?
Not always. The aspect ratio depends on the proportion between width and height, not on the absolute resolution. For example, 1280×720, 1920×1080, and 3840×2160 all share the same 16:9 aspect ratio.