Aspect ratio

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.

1 Applications and uses
2 Examples
- 2.1 Rectangles
- 2.2 Ellipses
3 See also

Applications and uses

The term is most commonly used with reference to:

Graphic / image
- Image aspect ratio
- Display aspect ratio - The aspect ratio for computer displays.
- Paper size
- Standard photographic print sizes
- Standard ad size
- Pixel aspect ratio
- Photolithography: the aspect ratio of an etched, or deposited structure is the ratio of the height of its vertical side wall to its width.
  - HARMST High Aspect Ratios allow the construction of tall structures without slant
Tire code
Tire sizing
wing aspect ratio of an aircraft or bird
Astigmatism of an optical lens

Examples

Rectangles

Main article: Aspect ratio (image)

For a rectangle, the aspect ratio denotes the ratio of length to width of the rectangle. An aspect ratio of 1:1 is a square.

From left to right:

1.3 = 4:3: Some (not all) 20th century computer monitors (VGA, XGA, etc.), standard-definition television
1.414… = √2:1: International paper sizes (ISO 216)
1.5 = 3:2: 35 mm film, iPhone displays
1.6 = 16:10, widely used widescreen computer displays (WXGA)
1.618…: Golden ratio, close to 16:10
1.6 = 5:3: super 16 mm, a standard film gauge in many European countries
1.7 = 16:9: widescreen TV

Ellipses

For an ellipse, the aspect ratio denotes the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis. An aspect ratio of 1:1 is a circle.

Aspect ratio

Contents

Applications and uses

Examples

Rectangles

Ellipses

See also