Aspect ratio

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The aspect ratio of a shape is the ratio of its longer dimension to its shorter dimension. It may be applied to two characteristic dimensions of a three-dimensional shape, such as the ratio of the longest and shortest axis, or for symmetrical objects that are described by just two measurements, such as the length and diameter of a rod. The aspect ratio of a torus is the ratio of the major axis R to the minor axis r.

Applications and uses

The term is most commonly used with reference to:

• graphic / image
  • image aspect ratio
  • computer display standard
  • paper size
  • standard photographic print sizes
  • standard ad size
  • pixel aspect ratio
• tire code
• tire sizing
• wing aspect ratio of an aircraft or bird
• Astigmatism of an optical lens

Examples

From left to right:

• 1.3 = 4:3: Some (not all) computer monitors (VGA, XGA, etc), SDTV
• 1.414… = √2:1: Silver ratio, International paper sizes (ISO 216)
• 1.5 = 3:2: 35 mm film
• 1.618…: Golden ratio, close to 16:10 = 8:5: Widescreen computer monitors (WXGA, etc.)
• 1.6 = 5:3: Super 16 mm, a standard frame ratio among many European countries
• 1.7 = 16:9: HDTV

See also

• Ratio
• Equidimensional ratios in 3D
• Vertical orientation