Aspect Ratio Calculator All About

Aspect Ratio Formula:

\[ \text{Aspect Ratio} = \frac{\text{width}}{\gcd(\text{width}, \text{height})} : \frac{\text{height}}{\gcd(\text{width}, \text{height})} \]

Simplified Aspect Ratio:

GCD (Greatest Common Divisor):

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1. What is Aspect Ratio?

The aspect ratio of an image or screen is the proportional relationship between its width and height. It's expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9). Understanding aspect ratio is crucial in photography, videography, and display technology.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

\[ \text{Aspect Ratio} = \frac{\text{width}}{\gcd(\text{width}, \text{height})} : \frac{\text{height}}{\gcd(\text{width}, \text{height})} \]

Where:

\( \text{width} \) — The width in pixels
\( \text{height} \) — The height in pixels
\( \gcd \) — Greatest common divisor function

Explanation: The calculator simplifies the ratio by dividing both dimensions by their greatest common divisor, resulting in the simplest whole number ratio.

3. Importance of Aspect Ratio

Details: Aspect ratio affects how content is displayed and perceived. Common aspect ratios include 4:3 (traditional TV), 16:9 (HDTV), and 1:1 (square). Maintaining correct aspect ratio prevents image distortion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the original width and height in pixels. The calculator will output the simplified ratio and the GCD used to simplify it. Both values must be positive integers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why simplify aspect ratios?
A: Simplified ratios are easier to understand and compare. They represent the same proportion in its most basic form.

Q2: What are common aspect ratios?
A: Common ratios include 1:1 (square), 4:3 (standard TV), 16:9 (widescreen), 16:10 (some computer monitors), and 21:9 (ultrawide).

Q3: How does aspect ratio affect image quality?
A: Using the wrong aspect ratio can cause stretching, cropping, or letterboxing, but doesn't directly affect resolution or quality.

Q4: Can I calculate aspect ratio for non-integer dimensions?
A: This calculator uses integer dimensions. For non-integer dimensions, multiply both values by 10 or 100 to convert to integers first.

Q5: What's the difference between aspect ratio and resolution?
A: Resolution is the total number of pixels (e.g., 1920×1080), while aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between width and height (e.g., 16:9).