Aspect ratios explained
Choosing the right aspect ratio before you shoot, design or export saves cropping later. This guide covers the common ratios, which one each platform expects, and what to do when ratios do not match.
Open the tool: Aspect Ratio Calculator
Recommended sizes by use
| Use | Ratio | Size in pixels |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube and landscape video | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 or 3840 × 2160 |
| Stories, Reels, TikTok, Shorts | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 |
| Square post | 1:1 | 1080 × 1080 |
| Portrait feed post | 4:5 | 1080 × 1350 |
| Presentation slides | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 |
| Pinterest pin | 2:3 | 1000 × 1500 |
When the ratios do not match
- Crop: cut off the edges so the picture fills the new shape. Nothing is stretched, but part of the picture is lost.
- Letterbox or pillarbox: add bars above and below or at the sides. The whole picture stays visible.
- Never stretch: changing only one side distorts faces and circles, and viewers notice at once.
Photo prints
Camera photos are usually 3:2 or 4:3. A 6 × 4 inch print is 3:2, so DSLR photos fit exactly, while 4:3 phone photos are cropped slightly. A 10 × 8 inch print is 5:4 and crops both.