The Ultimate Guide to Understanding 16:9 Aspect Ratio

Jane Zhou updated on Mar 22, 2024 | Home > Glossary and Terms

While watching or editing videos, we always see a video term - 16:9 aspect ratio, which is widely used in film, short-video platforms, and other areas. So, what is exactly the 16:9 aspect ratio? When do you need to choose the 16:9 aspect ratio? If you want to find all the answers, keep reading this post from EaseUS now!

Aspect Ratio Explained

Before discussing the 16:9 aspect ratio, we need to find out what the aspect ratio is!

Generally speaking, the aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between a video image's width and height. And it is usually comprised of two numbers separated by a colon: the first one indicates the video or image's width, and the second one is for its height, like 16:9, 4:3, 12:9, and more.

what is aspect ratio

For video content creators, using the right aspect ratio is very important, as it will affect your audience's viewing experience. In the following guide, we will focus on the 16:9 aspect ratio!

What Is 16:9 Aspect Ratio?

The 16:9 aspect ratio describes a width of 16 units and a height of 9 units. The ratio is obtained when you divide vertical pixels by horizontal pixels (in numbers), containing 1920 vertical lines and 1080 horizontal lines of resolution. It was developed in the 1980s, and it has become the most common aspect ratio for high-definition television sets, screens, and monitors since the 2000s. 

Like 4:3, 16:9 refers to TV screens and monitors, while the more technical 1.77:1 refers to celluloid and film productions.

Share this guide on your social platforms!

 

Features and Resolutions of 16:9 Aspect Ratio

After having a general learning about the 16:9 aspect ratio, let's take a look at its specific features and resolutions.

#Benefits and features of 16:9 aspect ratio

🎯Enhanced viewing experience: The wider aspect ratio allows for a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching movies or playing games. It provides a more cinematic feel and a more natural field of view.

✏️Compatibility with HD content: The 16:9 aspect ratio is compatible with high-definition content, including 1080p (1920x1080) and 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) resolutions. This allows for sharper and more detailed images and videos.

✨Better multitasking: The wider aspect ratio allows for easier multitasking, as you can have multiple windows or applications open side by side without sacrificing too much screen real estate.

...

#Common resolutions of 16:9 aspect ratio

Resolution Total Pixels Designation
1280 * 720 921600 HD/720P
1366 *768 1049088 WXGA
1920 * 1080 2073600 FHD/1080P
3840 * 2160 8294400 4K UHD
7680 * 4320 33177600 8K UHD

The Bottom Line

That's all for this post. We guess you must have a better understanding of the 16:9 aspect ratio now! Don't forget to share this post with others in need!

 

Was This Page Helpful?

 

Updated by Jane Zhou

Jane is an experienced editor for EaseUS focused on tech blog writing. Familiar with all kinds of video editing and screen recording software on the market, she specializes in composing posts about recording and editing videos. All the topics she chooses

Read full bio