4:3 Aspect Ratio Calculator
CalculatorUnderstanding the 4:3 Proportion
The 4:3 (1.333:1) aspect ratio is the historic foundation of broadcast television, CRT computing, and the hallmark proportion of Apple iPad displays.
aspect-ratio: 4 / 3;padding-top: 75.00%;Common 4:3 Resolutions in Pixels
The table below outlines standard industrial resolutions that conform strictly to the 4:3 aspect ratio, including total pixel counts and target display hardware.
| Standard / Format | Dimensions (W × H) | Total Pixels | Megapixels | Common Hardware & Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPad Retina (QXGA) | 2048 × 1536 | 3,145,728 | 3.15 MP | Apple iPad 9.7", iPad Air, iPad Mini |
| Ultra XGA (UXGA) | 1600 × 1200 | 1,920,000 | 1.92 MP | Medical workstations, high-end CRT monitors |
| SXGA+ (Super XGA+) | 1400 × 1050 | 1,470,000 | 1.47 MP | Business conference projectors, early ThinkPad laptops |
| XGA (Extended Graphics Array) | 1024 × 768 | 786,432 | 0.79 MP | Legacy PC monitors, classroom projection systems |
| SVGA (Super VGA) | 800 × 600 | 480,000 | 0.48 MP | Point of sale terminals, embedded displays |
| VGA (Video Graphics Array) | 640 × 480 | 307,200 | 0.31 MP | Standard CRT television, retro gaming consoles (SNES, PS1, N64) |
Where is 4:3 Used?
Apple iPad & Tablet Workstations
Apple chose the 4:3 aspect ratio for the iPad because it offers a comfortable, book-like reading proportion in both vertical portrait and horizontal landscape orientations.
Retro Video Game Emulation & Preservation
Consoles from the NES and Sega Genesis up through the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube rendered natively for 4:3 cathode-ray tube (CRT) screens.
Classic Television Archives & Cinema
Films prior to 1953 were photographed in the Academy ratio (1.375:1), which closely aligns with 4:3 (1.333:1). Preserving original films requires 4:3 framing without cropping.
Commercial Security & Document Scanners
Industrial CCTV cameras and flatbed document scanners utilize 4:3 image sensors to capture vertical paper documents and indoor lobbies efficiently.
Production Tips for 4:3 Assets
- When designing for retro game emulators, use integer scaling to avoid pixel shimmering across 4:3 CRT viewports.
- For responsive CSS, apply `padding-top: 75%;` to maintain a rigid 4:3 box before media assets finish loading.
- Ensure portrait photos intended for iPad app interfaces preserve 4:3 margin padding to avoid touch target clipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4:3 aspect ratio in decimals?
4:3 equals 1.333... in decimal form (often approximated as 1.33:1). Dividing the horizontal resolution by the vertical resolution always yields 1.333.
How do I convert 16:9 video to 4:3 without distortion?
You have two options: add black bars at the top and bottom (letterboxing) to preserve the full horizontal frame, or crop the left and right sides (pan-and-scan) to fill the 4:3 screen.
Why do iPads use 4:3 instead of 16:9?
A 16:9 tablet feels unnaturally long and narrow when turned vertically for reading or browsing. 4:3 balances document viewing, digital painting, and multi-tasking.
Is 640x480 exactly 4:3?
Yes. 640 divided by 160 is 4, and 480 divided by 160 is 3. 640x480 is the quintessential 4:3 standard definition baseline.