9:16 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 9:16 aspect ratio is the undisputed king of vertical video. It's the standard format for mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, designed to fill the entire screen of a smartphone held upright.

What is the 9:16 Aspect Ratio?

The 9:16 aspect ratio is the vertical counterpart to the 16:9 widescreen format. For every 9 units of width, there are 16 units of height. This tall, narrow format is optimized for how people naturally hold their phones, making it perfect for short-form, attention-grabbing content.

The standard resolution for a 9:16 video is 1080x1920 pixels.

Why 9:16 is Essential for Social Media

• Mobile-First Dominance: It's the native format for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• Maximum Screen Real Estate: It fills the entire phone screen, creating an immersive experience and minimizing distractions.
• Higher Engagement: By taking up more space in a user's feed, vertical video is more likely to capture and hold their attention compared to horizontal or square formats.

How 9:16 Interacts with Widescreen

When you display a 9:16 video on a horizontal 16:9 screen (like a TV or a standard YouTube player), you will see large black bars on the left and right sides. This effect is called pillarboxing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best resolution for 9:16?

The best and most common resolution for 9:16 vertical video is 1080x1920 pixels. This ensures high-quality playback on all major social media platforms.

Should I use 9:16 for a regular YouTube video?

No, unless you are specifically uploading a YouTube Short. For standard, long-form YouTube videos, you should always use the 16:9 horizontal aspect ratio to avoid large black bars on desktop and TV screens.

Is 9:16 the same as 3:4 or 4:5?

No. While all are vertical formats, 9:16 is the tallest and is used for full-screen video (Reels, Shorts, TikTok). The 4:5 ratio is a less-tall vertical format popular for Instagram feed posts, and 3:4 is another common vertical photo ratio.