Aspect Ratio Cheat Sheet

Choosing the right aspect ratio is essential for achieving the perfect cinematic look, and now it’s easier than ever with this Aspect Ratio Calculator. Whether you’re shooting video, designing graphics, or prepping a gallery exhibition, this easy dropdown menu quickly shows you the best aspect ratio options based on your selected resolution.

What is an Aspect Ratio?

An aspect ratio defines the relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. Common choices like 16:9 (widescreen) or 4:3 (standard television) dramatically impact how a story feels visually.

A Brief History of Notable Aspect Ratios:

  • 4:3 (1.33:1): Once the dominant format for early cinema and television, seen in classics like The Wizard of Oz(1939).

  • 16:9 (1.78:1): Standard for HDTV and streaming content today, perfect for YouTube, Netflix, and broadcast TV.

Read more to view the full table.

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