The ratios of screens, often called display aspect ratios, describe the proportional relationship between the width and the height of a display. Common aspect ratios for displays, according to Wikipedia, include 5:4, 4:3, 16:10, and 16:9.
Understanding Display Aspect Ratio
A screen's aspect ratio is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9). This indicates that for every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height. Understanding aspect ratios is crucial as it affects how content fits on a screen and the overall viewing experience. Different ratios have been popular throughout history, evolving with changes in display technology and media content.
Common Screen Ratios (Aspect Ratios)
Based on information regarding display aspect ratios, several ratios have been commonly used for screens over time. These include both older and more modern formats.
Here are some of the prevalent ratios for displays, past and present:
- 5:4: Primarily used in early LCD monitors, often with resolutions like 1280x1024. This is a less common ratio today compared to widescreen formats.
- 4:3: This is the classic "standard definition" ratio, widely used for older televisions, CRT monitors, and early computer displays. Think of older TV shows or full-screen movies; they were often displayed in 4:3.
- 16:10: A transitional widescreen ratio often found in computer monitors and laptops. It offers more vertical space than 16:9, making it preferred by some for productivity tasks. Common resolutions include 1280x800, 1440x900, 1680x1050, and 1920x1200.
- 16:9: The most common widescreen ratio today for televisions, computer monitors, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It's considered the standard for high-definition (HD) content and is widely supported by media like movies, TV shows, and video games.
Aspect Ratios in Practice
The aspect ratio of a screen influences how video content is displayed.
- If content matches the screen's aspect ratio, it fills the screen perfectly.
- If content has a different aspect ratio, you might see black bars (letterboxing for wider content on a narrower screen, or pillarboxing for narrower content on a wider screen) unless the content is cropped or stretched.
For example, watching an old 4:3 TV show on a modern 16:9 widescreen TV will typically result in black bars on the left and right sides (pillarboxing). Conversely, watching a modern 16:9 movie on an older 4:3 screen would result in black bars on the top and bottom (letterboxing).
| Aspect Ratio | Common Usage Examples | Era/Type |
|---|---|---|
| 5:4 | Early LCD monitors | Past, less common now |
| 4:3 | Older TVs, CRT monitors, early PCs | Past/Transitioning |
| 16:10 | Computer monitors, laptops | Present (Productivity focus) |
| 16:9 | Modern TVs, monitors, laptops, mobile | Present (Standard HD/Widescreen) |
These are some of the most common display aspect ratios that have shaped and continue to influence how we view content on screens.
