Understanding the 4:3 Aspect Ratio: Everything You Need to Know

4:3 is the traditional aspect ratio that has been used since the beginning of images and videos. It is still one of the most common aspect ratios, but in some applications, it's now obsolete.

In this article, we will explain what a 4:3 aspect ratio is. We will explain its common resolutions and the applications where it is used. We will also compare it with other commonly used aspect ratios to give you a better idea of its characteristics.

What is the 4:3 Aspect Ratio?

In simple words, a 4:3 ratio means for every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height. That said, if the width is 400 pixels, the height would be 300 pixels, and the resolution would be 400 x 300. It looks like a square because there isn't much difference between the width and height.

It's a very old aspect ratio, which is the reason it's often called the traditional aspect ratio. In the early monitors and TVs, it was the standard. If you have seen a CRT TV, you might have experienced the exact ratio. It's ruled the industry for several decades.

Today, it's not as common as it was, but still used in some specific applications. It's a good option for covering almost equal width and height, just as required in portraits.

Common 4:3 Aspect Ratio Resolutions

Some common 4:3 aspect ratio resolutions with the total number of pixels are:

• 2048 x 1536 = 3,145,728 pixels
• 1920 x 1440 = 2,764,800 pixels
• 1600 x 1200 = 1,920,000 pixels
• 1400 x 1050 = 1,470,000 pixels
• 1280 x 960   = 1,228,800 pixels
• 1024 x 768   = 786,432 pixels

Applications of 4:3 Aspect Ratio

Let's look at some applications of the 4:3 aspect ratio.

Video Doorbell Camera

Video doorbell cameras cover the area at the front of the door. For an expansive view, a 4:3 aspect ratio is a great choice. It captures more details and covers the object or persons from the top to the bottom, along with the details for the background.

Reolink Video Doorbell is perfect for optimal security of your house. It records videos in 4:3 and 2K+ resolutions. Not only do you get an expansive view but also the intricate details. It's a Wi-Fi doorbell that captures every moment and keeps you updated, no matter where you are. You can check the live preview and talk to the person in front of the door from any location. It is equipped with night vision, water-resistant design, real-time alerts, and tons of other features.

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Photo Print and Crop

The 4:3 aspect ratio is still used in printing photos. If the photo is a portrait, it is a great choice. Due to similar width and height, the object or person can be focused easily. If the image is cropped, it is preferred to be done in the same ratio.

Film

The early films were usually in the 4:3 aspect ratio because it was the standard aspect ratio of the monitors and TVs. It was quite popular and was used for several decades.

4:3 Aspect Ratio Monitor (Traditional)

The traditional monitors used to have a 4:3 aspect ratio. You might have seen CRT or LCD monitors with this aspect ratio, as they cover both the width and height almost equally.

4:3 Aspect Ratio TV (Traditional)

CRT TVs or the traditional TVs used to have the 4:3 aspect ratio. It was the industry standard, no matter how large the TV was. But now, it's not common anymore. The industry standard has shifted to 16:9.

4:3 vs 16:9 vs 21:9: Comparison with Other Common Aspect Ratios

4:3 is an aspect ratio that looks like a square. Its width and height are nearly equal, as discussed earlier. It's used only in a few applications these days, such as portrait images, cropped images, printing, etc.

16:9 is the most preferred aspect ratio. It is the standard HD aspect ratio that TVs, monitors, and other displays usually have. It is preferred for an immersive experience and even used on social media and content platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Most shows, videos, movies, and other content are played at 16:9. It gives a much wider view compared to 4:3. It is suitable for landscape photography, movies, larger backgrounds, group photos, etc.

For purposes that require an ultrawide view, which is wider than 16:9, the 21:9 ratio is the perfect choice. You can find monitors and TVs of this aspect ratio. It is great for working on multiple windows at the same time and gaming.

FAQs

1. Is 4:3 the same as 16:9 aspect ratio?

No, there is a big difference between the 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. The 4:3 aspect ratio looks like a square. In contrast, 16:9 looks like a rectangle having a considerable width than its height.

2. How to calculate 4:3 aspect ratio?

You just need to divide the horizontal number of pixels (width) by the vertical number of pixels (height). It will give you the aspect ratio. If the answer is 4:3, the aspect ratio is 4:3.

3. What's the cons of 4:3 aspect ratio?

4:3 is not wide enough, which is the reason it can't cover a wider background, group photo, or landscape image. It offers a less immersive experience compared to 16:9.

Conclusion

The 4:3 aspect ratio is an old standard for TVs, monitors, movies, etc. It was quite popular in the early days, but it is still used in some specific applications that we have discussed. Now, people prefer a more immersive experience, which is why 16:9 and other wider aspect ratios have gained more popularity.