Calculate 4:3 dimensions, explore common resolutions, and learn about the history and uses of this classic format.
Enter width to calculate height, or enter height to calculate width. The other dimension updates automatically.
These resolutions all maintain the exact 4:3 ratio (1.333:1). The GCD of width and height divides to exactly 4 and 3.
| Name | Width | Height | Megapixels | Use Case | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VGA | 640 | 480 | 0.31 MP | Legacy screens, webcams | |
| SVGA | 800 | 600 | 0.48 MP | Presentations, older projectors | |
| XGA Classic | 1024 | 768 | 0.79 MP | iPad non-retina, older monitors | |
| SXGA– | 1280 | 960 | 1.23 MP | General use | |
| UXGA | 1600 | 1200 | 1.92 MP | High-res CRT era monitors | |
| iPad Retina | 2048 | 1536 | 3.15 MP | iPad (standard model, Retina) |
The 4:3 aspect ratio (1.33:1) produces a nearly square rectangle — 4 units wide for every 3 units tall. It was the dominant format for analog television sets from the 1950s through the 1990s, derived from the Academy Ratio established by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1932 (1.375:1), which rounded to 4:3 for practical production.
Early black-and-white and color television systems were built around 4:3 because it matched the film standards of the era. NTSC, PAL, and SECAM broadcast standards all transmitted 4:3 content. Computer monitors followed suit — all monitors through the 1990s and most in the early 2000s were 4:3 or close to it. Common resolutions: VGA (640×480), SVGA (800×600), and XGA (1024×768).
iPad models: All standard iPad displays (non-iPad Pro) use 4:3 at 2048×1536 px (Retina) or 1024×768 px. Micro Four Thirds cameras: Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless cameras produce 4:3 images by default. Retro aesthetics: Filmmakers and content creators sometimes shoot in 4:3 deliberately for a vintage or intimate documentary feel. Some medical and scientific imaging equipment uses 4:3 displays. Classic video games: Many retro arcade games and early console games were designed for 4:3 displays.
4:3 is noticeably taller relative to width compared to 16:9. A 4:3 frame feels more "boxy" and intimate — well-suited for close-up portraits, instructional content, and tablet interfaces. 16:9 feels wider and more cinematic, better for landscape scenes and storytelling. When 4:3 content plays on a 16:9 screen, black bars (pillarboxing) appear on the sides. When 16:9 content plays on a 4:3 screen, black bars appear on top and bottom (letterboxing).