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The aspect ratio or proportions of a two-dimensional shape is the ratio of its longer dimension to its shorter dimension. It is also applied to two characteristic dimensions of a three-dimensional shape, especially for the longest and shortest 'axes' or for symmetrical objects (e.g. rods) that are described by just two measures (e.g. length and diameter). In such cases, the aspect ratio may evaluate to a value less than one (e.g. consider very short and very long rods). The aspect ratio of a torus is the ratio of the major axis R to the minor axis r.

In aviation, the aspect ratio of aircraft tapered wings is found by dividing the square of the wing span {b} by the total wing area (S):

AR = b²/S

If the wing has a constant chord, the aspect ratio is the result of dividing the wingspan (b) by the value of the chord (c):

AR = b/c

Similarly, if the value of the mean geometric chord is known, the aspect ratio is the result of dividing the wingspan by the value of the mean geometric chord:

AR = b/c_mean

The term is most commonly used with reference to:

• aspect ratio (image)
• computer display standard
• paper size
• pixel aspect ratio
• tire code
• tire sizing
• aspect ratio (wing) of aircraft or birds
• aspect ratio (optics) of a lens diameter or longest dimension relative to its thickness

Preferred aspect ratios

	16:	15:	12:
:8	2:1		3:2
:9	16:9	5:3	4:3
:10	8:5	3:2
:12	4:3	5:4	1:1

1.3 = 4:3

Computer monitors (VGA, XGA, etc), SDTV

1.414… = √2:1

International paper sizes (ISO 216)

1.5 = 3:2

35 mm film

1.618…

Golden ratio

1.6 = 16:10 = 8:5

1.6 = 15:9 = 5:3

Widescreen computer monitors (WXGA, etc.)

1.7 = 16:9

HDTV

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See also

• Ratio
• Equidimensional ratios in 3D

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