4:3 Aspect Ratio Calculator

About 4:3 Aspect Ratio

The 4:3 aspect ratio, also known as the "standard" or "academy" ratio, has been widely used in photography and television for decades. It represents a width-to-height ratio of 4:3, creating a more square-like rectangle compared to modern widescreen formats.

What is 4:3 Aspect Ratio?

The 4:3 aspect ratio means that for every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height. This translates to a decimal ratio of approximately 1.333. This format was the standard for television broadcasts and computer monitors for many years before widescreen formats became popular.

Common Uses for 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Traditional Photography: Many classic film cameras and early digital cameras used this format
Television Broadcasting: Standard definition TV used 4:3 before the transition to widescreen
Computer Monitors: Older CRT monitors and early LCD displays commonly used this ratio
Presentation Slides: Many presentation templates and projectors still use this format
Classic Video Games: Retro gaming systems and arcade games often used 4:3 displays
Print Materials: Some photo printing standards and document formats use this ratio

Popular 4:3 Dimensions

Standard Screen Resolutions

800 × 600 (SVGA) - Early computer standard
1024 × 768 (XGA) - Classic monitor resolution
1280 × 960 - Higher definition 4:3 format
1600 × 1200 (UXGA) - Professional display standard
2048 × 1536 - High-resolution photography

Print Sizes

4" × 3" - Small photo prints
8" × 6" - Standard photo size
12" × 9" - Medium poster size
16" × 12" - Large print format
20" × 15" - Extra large prints

Converting Between Formats

When working with 4:3 content:

To Widescreen: You may need to crop or add letterboxing
From Widescreen: Content may need pillarboxing (black bars on sides)
Scaling: Always maintain the 4:3 ratio to avoid distortion

Why Choose 4:3?

Traditional Feel: Gives content a classic, timeless appearance
Portrait Orientation: Better for subjects that are taller than wide
Print Compatibility: Works well with standard photo printing sizes
Presentation Format: Ideal for slides and educational content
Vintage Projects: Perfect for retro or nostalgic designs

Tips for 4:3 Content

Composition: Use the more square format to your advantage for balanced compositions
Text Layout: Works well for documents with more vertical text
Social Media: Some platforms still favor square-ish formats
Printing: Easier to fit into standard photo frames and albums

Technical Considerations

File Size: 4:3 images may be smaller than widescreen equivalents
Display: May appear with black bars on modern widescreen displays
Compatibility: Widely supported across all devices and platforms
Quality: No inherent quality difference compared to other ratios

The 4:3 aspect ratio remains relevant today for specific use cases where its more balanced, square-like proportions are preferred over ultra-wide formats.

Pixel Dimensions

Common 4:3 Sizes

Preview