What Is 4:3 Aspect Ratio?

In this guide, you will learn all about the 4:3 aspect ratio and a list of calculators you can use to quickly find the width and height of your image or video.

Input your width to find the corresponding height using this free 4:3 calculator.

Enter your desired width:

The actual height needed to maintain a 4:3 aspect ratio is:

Final dimensions:

What Is 4:3 Aspect Ratio?

The 4:3 aspect ratio is a term that describes the proportion between the width and height of an image, video frame, or screen.

It means that for every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height, creating a rectangle. This aspect ratio was very common in the early days of television and computer monitors.

To understand it visually, if you had an image that was 4 inches wide, it would be 3 inches tall to maintain a 4:3 aspect ratio.

In pixels, this could translate to resolutions like 800×600, 1024×768, or any other pair of dimensions that reduces down to the 4:3 ratio.

Before the widespread adoption of the wider 16:9 aspect ratio, which became popular with high-definition television and modern computer displays, 4:3 was the standard in many countries for broadcasting television signals and for computer displays.

It’s still used today in various contexts, such as in photography, where medium format cameras often have sensors that are close to the 4:3 ratio, and in some smartphones and tablets that favor this aspect ratio for its ergonomic and aesthetic qualities.

Additionally, it’s sometimes used artistically in film and television production to evoke a certain era or feel.

How To Calculate 4:3 Resolution?

It’s actually quite simple. First, determine the desired width of the image or display. Then, divide that number by 4. Finally, multiply that result by 3 to find the corresponding height.

For example, let’s say you have an image that you want to display at a width of 800 pixels. To calculate the necessary height to maintain a 4:3 aspect ratio, you would do the following:

800 / 4 = 200

200 x 3 = 600

Therefore, the necessary height for the image to maintain a 4:3 aspect ratio would be 600 pixels.

It’s also possible to calculate the aspect ratio of an existing image or display. To do this, simply divide the width by the height. If the result is 4:3, then the aspect ratio is indeed 4:3.

So, the next time you need to work with aspect ratios, remember: width divided by 4 equals height multiplied by 3 (for a 4:3 aspect ratio). With this simple formula in mind, you’ll be able to easily create visually pleasing and correctly proportioned images and displays.

Where Do You Use 4:3 Ratio?

1. Television: Before the advent of widescreen TVs, the 4:3 aspect ratio was the standard for television broadcasts and sets.
2. Computer Monitors: Similar to television, early computer monitors often used the 4:3 aspect ratio, making it the standard for website design and software interfaces at the time.
3. Photography: Some medium formats and digital cameras use the 4:3 aspect ratio, and it’s sometimes preferred by photographers for certain compositions or to achieve a more ‘classic’ look.
4. Filmmaking: Certain filmmakers choose to shoot in 4:3 to create a specific aesthetic, evoke nostalgia, or make a statement. For instance, some modern films that wish to pay homage to earlier cinematic times might opt for this aspect ratio.
5. Retro Gaming: Classic video games were designed in 4:3, and to preserve the original experience, emulators and re-releases often maintain this aspect ratio.
6. Presentations: PowerPoint and other presentation software have traditionally used 4:3 for slide dimensions, although this has been shifting towards widescreen formats in recent years.
7. Mobile Devices: A few tablets and e-readers use 4:3, as this can be a comfortable format for reading and browsing, mimicking the aspect ratio of traditional books and magazines.
8. CCTV Monitors: Some security cameras and monitors still use the 4:3 aspect ratio, although many are transitioning to widescreen formats.
9. Art Installations and Museum Displays: Certain art pieces or museum exhibits might use screens or projections in 4:3 for historical accuracy or specific visual effects.

In these various uses, the 4:3 aspect ratio is often chosen either for its nostalgic appeal, its suitability to certain content forms, or simply because it fits the desired aesthetic or functional needs of the project.

Other Common Aspect Ratios

In addition to 4:3, there are several other aspect ratios that are commonly used in the digital media world. Here are a few examples:

16:9

The 16:9 aspect ratio, also known as “widescreen,” is perhaps the most common aspect ratio in use today. It is the standard for high-definition television and is also commonly used in photography and video.

The 16:9 aspect ratio is particularly well-suited for landscape-oriented shots and is often used in film and television production.

To calculate the necessary height for a 16:9 aspect ratio, the formula is similar to that of the 4:3 aspect ratio. Simply divide the desired width by 16, and then multiply that result by 9 to find the corresponding height.

1:1

The 1:1 aspect ratio, also known as “square,” has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly on social media platforms such as Instagram. With a 1:1 aspect ratio, the width and height of an image are equal, resulting in a perfect square.

To calculate the necessary size for a 1:1 aspect ratio, simply ensure that the width and height of the image are equal. For example, an image with a width of 1000 pixels and a height of 1000 pixels would have a 1:1 aspect ratio.

Final Thoughts On the 4:3 Resolution

In essence, the 4:3 aspect ratio is a versatile, pleasing-to-the-eye ratio that has stood the test of time. From photography to design and filmmaking, the usage of this ratio only confirms its practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Understanding it and knowing when to use it can significantly improve the quality of your work.

4:3 Format FAQs