What is the best aspect ratio for portrait photography?

The 2:3 aspect ratio is the standard for portrait photography as it matches the 35mm film and DSLR sensor proportions. This ratio works perfectly for 4×6" and 8×12" prints. For Instagram feed posts, 4:5 provides the maximum vertical space, while 9:16 is ideal for Stories and Reels.

What is the difference between 4:5 and 9:16?

The 4:5 ratio is slightly more square-like (80% width to height), while 9:16 is much taller and narrower (56% width to height). Use 4:5 for Instagram feed posts where you want maximum vertical presence, and 9:16 for full-screen vertical videos on TikTok, Stories, and Shorts.

Which portrait ratio should I use for Instagram?

For Instagram feed posts, use 4:5 (1080×1350 pixels) as it takes up the most screen space in the feed. For Stories and Reels, use 9:16 (1080×1920 pixels) for full-screen vertical content. Square posts (1:1) are also supported but take less vertical space.

What resolution should I use for TikTok videos?

TikTok uses the 9:16 aspect ratio with a recommended resolution of 1080×1920 pixels. You can upload higher resolutions like 1440×2560 or even 2160×3840 for better quality, but 1080×1920 is the standard that works well on all devices.

How do I convert landscape photos to portrait?

To convert a landscape photo to portrait, you will need to crop it, which means losing some of the horizontal content. For best results, position your subject carefully within the crop frame. Alternatively, you can add letterbox bars or create a creative composite, but cropping is the most common approach.

What is the 2:3 aspect ratio used for?

The 2:3 aspect ratio is primarily used in photography. It is the native ratio of 35mm film and most DSLR camera sensors. Common uses include 4×6" photo prints, portrait photography, Pinterest pins, and professional photo portfolios. This ratio offers a classic vertical composition that works well for both digital and print media.

Can I use portrait aspect ratios for video?

Yes, portrait aspect ratios are increasingly popular for video, especially on mobile platforms. The 9:16 ratio is the standard for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat. The 4:5 ratio works well for vertical video ads on Facebook and Instagram feeds. Always check platform requirements before creating video content.

What is the best aspect ratio for phone wallpapers?

Most modern smartphones use the 9:16 or similar tall aspect ratios (like 9:19.5 or 9:20 for newer phones). A resolution of 1080×1920 or 1440×2560 works for most devices. For the latest phones with taller screens, consider using 1080×2340 or 1440×3120 to avoid cropping.

Portrait Aspect Ratio Guide

Master vertical formats for photography, social media, and mobile content

Discover the differences between portrait aspect ratios and learn which vertical format is ideal for your photos, videos, and designs.

PORTRAIT FORMATS

Understanding Portrait Aspect Ratios

Portrait aspect ratios are taller than they are wide, making them perfect for content viewed on mobile devices, social media platforms, and vertical displays. This guide covers all major portrait formats and their ideal use cases.

Portrait Aspect Ratios at a Glance

Compare the most common vertical formats

9:16

Full Vertical

0.5625

The standard for vertical video content. Fills the entire smartphone screen without any cropping or black bars.

Use cases: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Stories

4:5

Instagram Portrait

0.8

The optimal portrait format for Instagram feed posts. Provides more vertical space while fitting the feed layout perfectly.

Use cases: Instagram feed posts, Facebook portraits, promotional images

2:3

Photography Standard

0.667

The classic portrait photography ratio matching 35mm film and DSLR sensors. Perfect for prints and professional portraits.

Use cases: Portrait photography, 4×6" prints, Pinterest pins

3:4

Classic Portrait

0.75

Traditional portrait format used in compact cameras and tablets. Slightly less tall than 2:3, offering a balanced composition.

Use cases: Compact cameras, iPad displays, portrait documents

Visual Comparison

See how portrait formats differ in shape and proportions

All formats shown at the same width for easy comparison

9:16

Full Vertical

2:3

Photography

3:4

Classic

4:5

Instagram

1:1

Square (ref)

Choosing the Right Portrait Format

Match the aspect ratio to your content type and platform

Social Media Content

9:16

TikTok, Reels, Stories, Shorts

Best for full-screen mobile video
4:5

Instagram feed posts

Maximum vertical space in feeds
2:3

Pinterest pins

Ideal for tall, scrollable content

Photography & Prints

2:3

4×6", 8×12" prints

Matches DSLR sensor ratio
3:4

6×8", 9×12" prints

Compact camera standard
4:5

8×10", 16×20" prints

Classic portrait print size

Video Production

9:16

Short-form vertical video

Industry standard for mobile-first content
4:5

Feed-optimized video ads

Works across Instagram and Facebook

Graphic Design

9:16

Mobile wallpapers, digital signage

Full-screen mobile experiences
3:4

Posters, flyers, documents

Balanced vertical layout
2:3

Book covers, magazine layouts

Publishing industry standard

Platform-Specific Requirements

Optimal portrait dimensions for major platforms

Instagram

Feed Posts

4:5

1080×1350

Maximum portrait size in feed

Stories/Reels

9:16

1080×1920

Full-screen stories and reels

TikTok

Video

9:16

1080×1920

Standard vertical video

2:3

1000×1500

Optimal pin format

YouTube Shorts

Video

9:16

1080×1920

Vertical short-form video

Portrait Print Sizes

Standard print dimensions and their aspect ratios

Print Size	Aspect Ratio	Pixels (300 DPI)	Common Use
4×6"	2:3	1200×1800	Standard photo prints
5×7"	5:7	1500×2100	Greeting cards, small frames
8×10"	4:5	2400×3000	Portrait photography
8×12"	2:3	2400×3600	Large photo prints
11×14"	11:14	3300×4200	Gallery prints
16×20"	4:5	4800×6000	Large format portraits

Portrait Aspect Ratio Comparison

Ratio	Decimal	W × H Example	Best For	Platforms
9:16	0.5625	1080 x 1920	Vertical video, Stories	TikTok, Reels, Shorts
4:5	0.8	1080 x 1350	Instagram feed, portraits	Instagram, Facebook
2:3	0.667	1600 x 2400	Photography, prints	DSLR, Pinterest
3:4	0.75	768 x 1024	Documents, presentations	iPad, compact cameras

Portrait Photography Tips

Best practices for working with vertical formats

Compose for Mobile First

When creating content for social media, design with smartphone screens in mind. Keep important elements centered and avoid placing critical content near the edges where it might get cropped.

Plan for Multiple Formats

Shoot with extra headroom and footroom so you can crop the same image to different portrait ratios. A 9:16 source can be cropped to 4:5 for Instagram feed while keeping the Stories version.

Consider Safe Zones

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok overlay UI elements on your content. Keep text and important visuals away from the top and bottom 10-15% of the frame.

Match Print Ratios

If you plan to print your photos, shoot in 2:3 (DSLR default) or 3:4 (compact cameras) to avoid unexpected cropping when ordering standard print sizes.

Understanding Portrait vs Landscape

What is a Portrait Aspect Ratio?

A portrait aspect ratio describes an image or video that is taller than it is wide. The term comes from traditional portrait paintings and photography where subjects are typically framed vertically. In technical terms, a portrait ratio has a smaller width value than height value (e.g., 9:16 means 9 units wide by 16 units tall). This orientation is natural for viewing on smartphones held upright and has become increasingly important in the mobile-first digital landscape.

The Rise of Vertical Content

While landscape orientation dominated for decades due to cinema and television, the smartphone revolution changed everything. When Apple launched the iPhone in 2007, it started a shift toward vertical content consumption. Apps like Snapchat (2011), Instagram Stories (2016), and TikTok (2016) further cemented vertical video as a primary content format. Today, more video is watched vertically than horizontally on mobile devices, making portrait aspect ratios essential for content creators.

How to Choose the Right Portrait Ratio

The ideal portrait ratio depends on your platform and purpose. For social media videos (TikTok, Reels, Shorts), 9:16 is the only choice. For Instagram feed photos, 4:5 maximizes screen space. For photography prints, 2:3 matches standard sizes. For documents and presentations, 3:4 provides balance. When in doubt, 9:16 offers the most flexibility as it can be cropped to other portrait formats while maintaining vertical orientation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate Your Portrait Dimensions

Use our specialized calculators to get exact pixel measurements

9:16 Calculator 4:5 Calculator 3:2 Calculator 4:3 Calculator Universal Calculator

Related Guides & Tools

Visual Aspect Ratio Guide Aspect Ratio Comparison Tool Image Aspect Ratio Detector