Video Resolution and Aspect Ratio Chart

This page provides exact pixel dimensions for every major video resolution and aspect ratio combination used in professional video production.

The tables below are organized by resolution standard (Cinema DCP, 8K, 6K, 4K, 2K, UHD, 1080p, and 720p) with all common aspect ratios from vertical 4:5 to ultra-wide 2.44:1.

Note on Cinema DCP vs. UHD: Cinema DCP resolutions (like 4096x2160) are designed for theatrical projection and use container widths of 4096 or 2048 pixels. UHD resolutions (like 3840x2160) are consumer/broadcast standards designed for TVs and streaming, using a width of 3840 pixels. Both are called "4K" but have different pixel dimensions.

Note on 1080p and 720p: These are height-based standards where the number refers to vertical pixels (1080 or 720), not horizontal width.

720p

1080p

4K UHD

8K UHD

4K

5K

6K

8K

2K

3K

3K UHD

Cinema DCP 2K

Cinema DCP 4K

What does an aspect ratio mean?

Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between a video's width and height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (like 16:9 or 4:3). It tells you the shape of your video frame. A 16:9 aspect ratio means for every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height.

What do you mean by aspect ratio?

Aspect ratio describes the dimensions of your video frame. It's calculated by dividing the width by the height. For example, 1920 divided by 1080 equals 1.78, which is the same as 16:9. Different aspect ratios create different viewing experiences, from square (1:1) to ultra-wide cinematic (2.39:1).

What is an aspect ratio on TV?

On TV, aspect ratio determines how content fills your screen. Modern TVs use 16:9 (widescreen), while older TVs used 4:3 (nearly square). When you see black bars on your TV, it's because the content's aspect ratio doesn't match your screen. Top and bottom bars mean the content is wider (like 2.39:1 cinema), while side bars mean it's narrower (like old 4:3 shows).

What aspect ratio is 1920x1080?

1920x1080 is a 16:9 aspect ratio. You calculate this by dividing 1920 by 1080, which equals 1.78 (or 16:9 when simplified). This is the standard HD resolution used for YouTube, streaming platforms, and modern television.

Is 1920x1080 the same as 16:9?

Yes, 1920x1080 is 16:9. However, 16:9 is the aspect ratio (the shape), while 1920x1080 is the resolution (the actual pixel count). Many other resolutions also use 16:9, including 1280x720 (720p), 3840x2160 (4K UHD), and 7680x4320 (8K UHD).

Is 1280 by 720 16:9?

Yes, 1280x720 is 16:9. This resolution is commonly called 720p or HD. When you divide 1280 by 720, you get 1.78, which is the decimal equivalent of 16:9. It's half the resolution of 1080p but maintains the same widescreen shape.

What size is 4:3 aspect ratio?

4:3 doesn't have a single "size" because it's a ratio, not a resolution. Common 4:3 resolutions include 640x480 (SD), 1024x768, 1440x1080, and 2880x2160. The aspect ratio stays 4:3 regardless of resolution. To find a 4:3 resolution, multiply the width by 0.75 to get the height (or multiply height by 1.33 to get width).

What are 4:3 resolutions?

Common 4:3 resolutions include 640x480 (VGA), 800x600 (SVGA), 1024x768 (XGA), 1440x1080 (HD 4:3), 2880x2160 (4K 4:3), and 5760x4320 (8K 4:3). This aspect ratio was standard for older TVs and computer monitors but is now mainly used for specific artistic choices or legacy content.

Is 4:3 the same as 1920x1080?

No, 1920x1080 is 16:9, not 4:3. To get a 4:3 version at 1080 height, you'd use 1440x1080. The 4:3 ratio is more square-shaped, while 16:9 is wider. If you tried to display 4:3 content on a 1920x1080 screen without stretching, you'd see black bars on the sides.

Is 1.33 the same as 4:3?

Yes, 1.33 is the decimal representation of 4:3. When you divide 4 by 3, you get 1.333 (often rounded to 1.33). Both refer to the same aspect ratio. In video editing software, you might see it written as either 4:3 or 1.33:1.

What is a 16:9 aspect ratio?

16:9 is the standard widescreen aspect ratio used for modern video content. It means the width is 1.78 times the height. This format became the global standard because it works well for both cinematic content and television, offering a comfortable viewing experience that's wider than old 4:3 TVs but not as extreme as ultra-wide cinema formats.

What size is a 16:9 aspect ratio image?

16:9 can be any size as long as the width-to-height ratio is maintained. Common 16:9 resolutions include 1280x720 (720p), 1920x1080 (1080p), 2560x1440 (1440p), 3840x2160 (4K UHD), and 7680x4320 (8K UHD). To calculate a 16:9 resolution, multiply the height by 1.78 to get the width.

Is 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio better?

16:9 is better for most modern content because it matches current display standards and provides a more immersive widescreen experience. However, 4:3 can be useful for tighter framing, older footage, archival material, or when aiming for a classic television look. The better choice depends on your platform, audience, and creative intent.

Is it better to use 4:3 or 16:9?

Use 16:9 for YouTube, streaming platforms, modern TVs, and general video content. Use 4:3 only if you're creating content for older displays, want a specific artistic look, or need a more square frame for your composition. Since 16:9 is the current standard, choosing 4:3 means your content will have black bars on most modern screens.

What is the difference between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio?

The main difference is shape. 4:3 is nearly square (1.33:1), while 16:9 is widescreen (1.78:1). 4:3 was the standard for old TVs and gives a more intimate, focused frame. 16:9 is the modern standard, offering more horizontal space that's better for landscapes, action, and multiple subjects. When you watch old 4:3 content on a 16:9 screen, you'll see black bars on the sides.

Why is 4:3 different from 16:9?

4:3 and 16:9 are different because they were designed for different eras and technologies. 4:3 originated from early film and television standards when screens were more square. 16:9 was developed later to provide a more cinematic, immersive experience that better matches human peripheral vision. The shift from 4:3 to 16:9 happened in the early 2000s as HD television became standard.

Are YouTube videos 16:9 or 4:3?

YouTube videos are 16:9. YouTube's player is designed for 16:9 content, and this is the recommended aspect ratio for uploads. If you upload 4:3 content, YouTube will add black bars (pillarboxing) on the sides to fit the 16:9 player. For the best YouTube experience, always export your videos at 1920x1080 (16:9) or higher.