4:3 Aspect Ratio Calculator for Reels

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.

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

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

The 4:3 aspect ratio, often called "fullscreen" or "standard definition," was the universal standard for television and computer monitors for decades. While widescreen (16:9) is now dominant, 4:3 remains relevant for its classic, retro feel and its use in specific photography formats.

What is the 4:3 Aspect Ratio?

The 4:3 aspect ratio was the standard for 20th-century television (NTSC, PAL) and early computer displays. It provides a more squarish frame compared to modern widescreen formats. For every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height.

Common resolutions for a 4:3 display include 640x480 (VGA), 800x600 (SVGA), and 1024x768 (XGA).

Why 4:3 is Still Relevant

• Retro Aesthetic: It instantly gives video content a vintage or classic TV show feel.
• Photography Standard: It's the native aspect ratio for Micro Four Thirds cameras and is a common option in many digital cameras.
• iPad Displays: Apple's iPads use a 4:3 aspect ratio, making it ideal for apps and content designed for those devices.

How 4:3 Interacts with Widescreen

When you display a 4:3 video on a modern 16:9 screen (like a TV or YouTube), you will see black bars on the left and right sides. This effect is called pillarboxing. Conversely, if you watch a 16:9 video on a 4:3 screen, you'll see black bars on the top and bottom, known as letterboxing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a common 4:3 resolution?

Common 4:3 resolutions include 640x480 (SD), 800x600, and 1024x768. These were standards for older computer monitors and standard-definition television.

Should I use 4:3 for YouTube?

Generally, no. YouTube's player is 16:9, so uploading a 4:3 video will result in pillarboxing (black bars on the sides). It should only be used if you are intentionally aiming for a retro or specific artistic style.

What is the difference between pillarboxing and letterboxing?

Pillarboxing adds black bars to the sides of the content to fit a wider screen (e.g., 4:3 video on a 16:9 screen). Letterboxing adds black bars to the top and bottom to fit a taller screen (e.g., 16:9 video on a 4:3 screen).