3:2 Aspect Ratio Calculator for Reels

Targets: 3:2 aspect ratio calculator for Reels

Use case: Reels

Calculator

Instructions

  1. Enter the original width (W1) and height (H1).
  2. Enter either the new width (W2) or new height (H2) to compute the other.
  3. Change values at any time — use Reset to restore defaults.
This tool is inspired by andew.hedges

Instagram Aspect Ratio Guide

Choosing the right aspect ratio for your Instagram content is key to maximizing visual impact and engagement. Instagram supports several formats, each suited for different types of content.

Instagram Feed Posts (Photos & Videos)

For the main feed, you have a few options:

  • Square (1:1): The classic Instagram format. Recommended resolution is 1080x1080 pixels. It's a safe bet that always looks good in the grid view.
  • Portrait (4:5): This is often the best choice for engagement as it takes up more vertical screen space. The optimal resolution is 1080x1350 pixels.
  • Landscape (1.91:1): Useful for wide shots. The recommended resolution is 1080x566 pixels. Content wider than 1.91:1 may be cropped.

Instagram Reels & Stories (9:16)

For full-screen, immersive content like Reels and Stories, the best aspect ratio is 9:16.

The recommended resolution is 1080x1920 pixels. This vertical format fills the entire mobile screen, capturing the viewer's full attention, which is ideal for short-form video.

Visual Aspect Ratio Examples

9:16 (Stories/Reels)

Full-screen vertical.

4:5 (Portrait)

Tallest feed post.

1:1 (Square)

Classic feed post.

1.91:1 (Landscape)

Wide feed post.

Video Length & File Specs

  • Feed Videos: Up to 60 minutes.
  • Reels: Up to 90 seconds.
  • Stories: Up to 60 seconds per segment.
  • Recommended Formats: MP4 and MOV.
  • Max File Size: 4GB.

Why It Matters

Using the correct aspect ratio prevents Instagram from awkwardly cropping your content or adding black bars. Optimized images and videos look more professional and perform better on the platform.

Use Our Calculator

Need to resize a video or image for Instagram? Use our calculator to find the correct dimensions for any format.

Go to Instagram Aspect Ratio Calculator

Source: Instagram Help Center.

The 3:2 aspect ratio is the classic standard for photography, with roots in 35mm film. It remains the native format for the vast majority of DSLR and mirrorless camera sensors today, making it fundamental for photographers to understand.

What is the 3:2 Aspect Ratio?

The 3:2 aspect ratio defines an image where the width is 1.5 times the height. This format became the standard because it was used for 35mm film photography, and that legacy has carried over into the digital age. Most full-frame and APS-C sensors are designed with this ratio.

While resolutions vary by camera, a typical 3:2 image might be 6000x4000 pixels. This ratio also corresponds directly to common print sizes like 6x4 inches.

3:2

Why 3:2 is the Photographer's Choice

  • Legacy Standard: It's the native format for most high-end digital cameras, meaning you capture the maximum amount of data from your sensor.
  • Compositional Flexibility: It provides a pleasing, slightly wide frame that is versatile for both landscape and portrait orientations.
  • Print-Friendly: It directly matches popular photo print sizes like 4x6", 6x9", and 8x12", minimizing the need for cropping.

How 3:2 Interacts with Other Formats

When sharing a 3:2 photo on social media, you will often need to crop it. For an Instagram post, you might crop to a 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (portrait) ratio. When displaying it on a 16:9 screen, it will have small black bars on the sides (pillarboxing).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What cameras use a 3:2 aspect ratio?

Most DSLR and mirrorless cameras from major brands like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm use a 3:2 aspect ratio for their sensors. In contrast, Micro Four Thirds cameras (from Olympus/OM System and Panasonic) and many smartphones use a 4:3 ratio.

Is 3:2 better than 4:3 for photography?

Neither is inherently "better"; it's a matter of preference. The 3:2 ratio is wider and often considered more "cinematic," while the 4:3 ratio is taller and can feel more balanced for certain compositions. 3:2 is more common in professional photography due to camera hardware standards.

What is the most common 3:2 print size?

The most common and iconic print size for the 3:2 aspect ratio is 4x6 inches. This has been a standard for consumer photo printing for decades.