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Aspect Ratio Calculator

Convert video resolutions, calculate missing dimensions, and compute anamorphic desqueeze ratios. Quick reference for 16:9, 4:3, 9:16, and cinematic 2.39:1.

Settings

Fill exactly two fields — the third is calculated.
After calculate, the result can be auto-copied (or use the Copy button).

Results

Output —
Output is either the missing side (px) or a simplified ratio.

History

No calculations yet. Run one to store it here.

    Anamorphic Desqueeze

    Timeline —
    Ratio

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    Reference

    Aspect Ratio Calculator & Resolution Conversion Guide

    Understanding Proportions in Digital Video & Cinema

    Aspect ratio represents the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9) or as a single decimal factor (e.g., 1.78:1). In modern post-production, a video editor frequently encounters the need to conform high-resolution source clips into different timeline configurations for delivery.

    The Mathematics of Resolution Scaling

    This aspect ratio converter allows you to lock a specific proportion and calculate a missing dimension (Width or Height) automatically when scaling your project canvas. The underlying algebraic formulas are straightforward:

    \[ \text{Target Height} = \text{Target Width} \cdot \frac{\text{Source Height}}{\text{Source Width}} \]

    Conversely, to find the correct mathematical vertical pixel layout, the formula shifts:

    \[ \text{Target Height} = \frac{\text{Target Width}}{(\frac{Source Width}{Source Height})} \]

    For example, if you are converting a standard Ultra HD 4K frame 3840 x 2160 into a classic 4:3 aspect ratio while keeping the full vertical height 2160 px, the equation computes the required target width as: 2160 x (4 ÷ 3) = 2880 px. Your final canvas resolution will be 2880 x 2160 (perfect for archiving or creative retro grading).

    Anamorphic De-Squeeze Calculations Explained

    One of the most powerful features of this utility is the integrated Anamorphic Squeeze Factor. Anamorphic cinema lenses optically squeeze a wider horizontal field of view onto a narrower sensor area. To display this footage correctly in your non-linear editor (DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro), the pixels must be desqueezed horizontally.

    The mathematical adjustment works by multiplying the active recorded sensor width by the lens squeeze coefficient:

    \[ \text{Desqueezed width} = \text{Recorded Sensor Width} \cdot \text{Squeeze Factor} \]

    If you record a standard 3.5K Open Gate frame 3328 x 2496 using a classic 2× anamorphic prime lens, the actual operational aspect ratio shifts from a boxy 4:3 (1.33:1) to a sprawling theatrical master of 2.66:1 (3328 x 2 = 6656 px horizontal stretched width).

    Universal Aspect Ratio & Resolution Cross-Reference Matrix

    When jumping between social delivery media, standard broadcast television formats, and theatrical projection standards, use this reference matrix to set up your timeline project files correctly:

    Aspect Ratio Decimal Ratio Common Standard Resolutions Primary Industry Standards & Target Platforms
    16:91.78:11920×1080 (FHD), 3840×2160 (UHD)Universal standard: YouTube, TV broadcast, streaming platforms
    9:160.56:11080×1920, 2160×3840Vertical format: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts
    17:91.896:12048×1080, 4096×2160DCI format for cinema. Width is exactly 2¹¹ (2K) or 2¹² (4K) pixels.
    The mathematical aspect ratio is exactly 256:135, the 17:9 designation is primarily marketing.
    4:31.33:11440×1080, 2880×2160, 640×480 (VGA)Vintage television (PAL/NTSC), iPad screens, Anamorphic capture capture
    2.39:12.39:12048×858 (DCI 2K), 4096×1716 (DCI 4K)Cinematic widescreen (Scope) - traditional theatrical releases
    2:12.00:12880×1440, 4320×2160Univisium format - Netflix originals preference, high-end drama
    1:11.00:11080×1080, 2160×2160Square layout: Instagram grid feeds, legacy online ads
    4:50.80:11080×1350, 1600×2000Instagram portrait feed format (maximizes real estate before crop)

    Pro Tips for Managing Timeline Crops on Export

    1. Watch Your Blanking (Letterboxing): If you need to deliver a 2.39:1 cinematic project inside a standard 16:9 broadcast file, you must apply top and bottom black bars (cinematic blanking). For an 1080p timeline, the active image will occupy a height of exactly 804 px, leaving two 138 px black strips at the borders.

    2. Safe Zone Guarding: When shooting wide formats (like 2.39:1) but knowing the final video will also be cropped to 9:16 for social micro-content, turn on safe-zone markers in your monitor on set. Keep all essential talent or narrative action locked to the center square intersection so that center-cropping later doesn't slice off half the performance.

    3. Pixels Aren't Always Square: Legacy digital files (like DV PAL or DVCPRO HD) use non-square pixels (Pixel Aspect Ratio - PAR). Modern workflows almost exclusively use square pixels (PAR = 1.0), which simplifies calculations since the display aspect ratio matches the storage layout precisely.