Aspect ratios explained
An aspect ratio is the shape of an image, written width by height. Here is where each common ratio is used and how to move between pixels and ratios.
| Ratio | Name | Where it is used | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | Square | Profile pictures, square posts, avatars. | 1080 x 1080 |
| 4:5 | Portrait | Instagram and Threads portrait posts, the tallest single feed image. | 1080 x 1350 |
| 9:16 | Vertical / full screen | Reels, Shorts, TikTok, Stories, WhatsApp Status. | 1080 x 1920 |
| 16:9 | Widescreen | YouTube thumbnails, in-stream video, most landscape imagery. | 1280 x 720 |
| 2:3 | Tall portrait | Pinterest pins. | 1000 x 1500 |
| 1.91:1 | Link card | Facebook and LinkedIn link previews, shared cards. | 1200 x 630 |
| 3:1 | Wide header | X (Twitter) profile header. | 1500 x 500 |
| 4:1 | Extra-wide banner | LinkedIn personal banner, Etsy cover, Google Forms header. | 1584 x 396 |
Pixels versus ratio
A ratio has no fixed size; 16:9 can be 1280 by 720 or 1920 by 1080. When a platform quotes a recommended size, it is picking specific pixels at the right ratio so the image is sharp without being wastefully large. Match the recommended pixels when you can, and at minimum match the ratio so nothing gets cropped.
Try the calculator
The aspect ratio calculator solves any missing width or height for a target ratio, with presets for the common shapes above.
Frequently asked questions
What is an aspect ratio?
It is the relationship between width and height, written as width:height. A 16:9 image is 16 units wide for every 9 tall, no matter the pixel size.
How do I convert pixels to an aspect ratio?
Divide the width by the height and reduce the fraction. 1280 by 720 reduces to 16:9. Use the aspect ratio calculator to do it instantly.
Which ratio should I use for social video?
9:16 vertical (1080 by 1920) for Reels, Shorts, TikTok and Stories. Use 16:9 for standard landscape video and YouTube.