Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. It is commonly expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, such as 4:3 or 16:9. The first number represents the width, and the second number represents the height.

History

The concept of aspect ratio has been in use since the early days of film. The first films, produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, used an aspect ratio of 4:3, which was also known as the "Academy ratio". This ratio was chosen because it closely approximated the field of view of the human eye.

In the 1950s, as television began to compete with film for viewers' attention, film studios began to experiment with wider aspect ratios to create a more immersive viewing experience. This led to the introduction of ratios such as 1.85:1 and 2.39:1, which are still commonly used in cinema today.

Aspect Ratios in Film and Television

Different aspect ratios are used in film and television to achieve different aesthetic effects. For example, a 4:3 ratio is often used in television production because it closely matches the shape of older television screens. On the other hand, a 16:9 ratio is often used in film production because it provides a wider field of view, which can be used to create a more immersive viewing experience.

Aspect Ratios in Computing

In computing, the aspect ratio of a display is often determined by the resolution of the screen. Common aspect ratios for computer displays include 4:3, 16:9, and 16:10. The choice of aspect ratio can have a significant impact on the usability of a computer system, as it determines how much information can be displayed on the screen at once.

Aspect Ratios in Photography

In photography, the aspect ratio of an image is determined by the dimensions of the film or image sensor used to capture the image. Common aspect ratios for still photography include 3:2, 4:3, and 1:1. The choice of aspect ratio can have a significant impact on the composition of a photograph, as it determines the shape of the frame within which the photographer must work.

See Also

• Resolution (computing)
• Display resolution
• Film format
• Television format