Knowing the best aspect ratio for photos, you can avoid wasting time cropping your image during editing. However, how can you determine the optimal value for your camera?
Below, I will share the info on the most popular options these days. I will also explain which aspect ratios you should choose for photography projects and which ones are ideal for social media posts.
This parameter defines the ratio of a picture (screen) width (the first number) to its length (the second number). For example, you may have a display of 32 inches long and 18 inches high. Its aspect ratio is 16:9. The same goes for the display with 16 inches long and 9 inches high. In other words, this parameter does not show the physical size, but only the ratio of the sides.
You may also come across an aspect ratio denoted by a single number. For example, it can be 1.33 or 1.78. These figures are the result of dividing the more common 4:3 and 16:9, respectively. Sometimes, you may see a ratio written as 1.33:1 or 1.78:1.
Although this method may seem strange, everything is quite simple. If you calculate the ratio of length 4 and height 3 and compare it with the ratio of a length of 1.33 and height of 1, then you will get the same numbers.
Typically, there are several standard aspect ratios for images. However, each photographer or videographer can experiment to realize their unique ideas. Below, I will share helpful information about the most common options for photos and videos. Also, I will explain aspect ratio differences, their main features, and specifics of use.
This format is best suited for taking square pictures. In the analog era, this aspect ratio was typical for Polaroids and medium format cameras. With the advent of digital photography, this format remained in the shadows until Instagram appeared. Initially, this social media platform only supported such images. Even though users can add photos of any format now, Instagram highlights the incredible popularity of 1:1 pictures.
This format comes in handy when photographers strive to take very simple pictures without anything superfluous. This is the best aspect ratio for photos in a minimalistic style. According to Instagram profile photo requirements, you should upload a square image. The same thing is about other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
The 3:2 format became popular during the epoch of film photography. Digital cameras also support this aspect ratio. Full frame 1080×720 images are still in demand among photographers. You can enjoy more flexibility when you edit pictures of this format.
Such dimensions are very similar to the golden ratio. They are more balanced and attractive to viewers. These images conform to the standard photo sizes for printing and are great options to introduce your work to the audience. 4×6″ (postcard size), 16×24″, and 24×36″ are traditional print sizes with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
The 4:3 aspect ratio is also known as Fullscreen. It appeared almost simultaneously with the movie. Since then, it has been the main format for television. Some time ago, many digital and medium format cameras used this aspect ratio. 4:3 is the best photo aspect ratio for landscape shots since the image is larger in width than height.
Pro Tip
Remember that the ratio of your photo size should be no larger than the camera sensor. Otherwise, the image quality will be degraded. For example, 4:3 or 1:1 aspect ratio variants are suitable for a micro four-thirds camera. If you take a 3:2 or 16:9 photo, you will have to crop it later. As a result, the image quality will be poorer.
If you are doing your best to have a successful Instagram, you are already familiar with this format. 1080 x 1350px pictures with a 4:5 aspect ratio are perfect for this social network. This format allows you to share uncropped images. Editing them is also pretty easy.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is widely used for streaming and video production. This format is the main one for modern cinema, television, and major video streaming services.
Such images look like thin rectangles and usually have a 1920x1080 or 1280x720 resolution. Also, a 16:9 aspect ratio allows you to shoot video at a resolution of 3840 px by 2160 px (known as 4K). Sometimes, photographers resort to this format to give images a cinematic look.
Pro Tip
If you use different aspect ratios for photos, we recommend that you buy a full frame camera. It has a large high-definition sensor that lets you maintain image quality after cropping. This means you don't have to care about noise and graininess and you can experiment with formats.
An aspect ratio has nothing to do with the physical dimensions of a picture. These are just its proportions. You can have photos of different sizes but with the same aspect ratio. For example, if an image has the same height and width, then its aspect ratio is 1:1. It will be the same for a 4x4 inch picture and for a 6x6 inch one.
Most modern widescreen PC monitors and TVs have screens with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Therefore, filmmakers stick to this format. Netflix and other streaming services also target this aspect ratio. To make the screen of today's TVs completely filled with an image, the top and bottom of the frame are cropped.
Typically, a 4:3 aspect ratio is considered full size while a 16:9 format is known as widescreen.
Choosing the best aspect ratio for photos, you should define your purposes in the first place. If you need amazing pictures for social networks, then choose 4:5 in the camera settings. For most full-scale photography projects, a 3:2 aspect ratio is optimal. That's why many photographers prefer it when shooting on 35mm film.
Opt for 3:2. This is the standard format for Canon's EOS series. With it, you can take stunning horizontal and vertical pictures.
Even if your photo has a suitable aspect ratio, no one will pay attention to it without careful editing. To enhance tons of pictures in a jiffy, use this set of effects. Take a couple of minutes to learn how to install Lightroom presets on Mac & Windows and quickly improve the colors in your photos.
