Reference library

Aspect Ratio Conversions: Crop vs Padding

Compare cropping and padding when changing aspect ratios. Calculate retained area, removed edges and new canvas dimensions.

Resizing changes size; changing the aspect ratio changes shape. These conversion planners calculate how much a crop removes and how much padding preserves. They help plan an edit but do not process or export image files.

Convert 4:3 to 16:9: Crop or Add Padding

Compare a 4:3 to 16:9 crop with padding. Calculate retained image area, removed edges and exact canvas sizes without stretching.

Convert 16:9 to 9:16: Landscape to Portrait

Plan a landscape-to-portrait crop, calculate retained area, and compare a padded 9:16 canvas before exporting vertical video.

Choose the right starting point

Use ratio guides when you already know the shape you need. Use resolution lookups when you know the existing dimensions. Use conversion planners when your source and destination have different shapes.

For a size not listed here, the main aspect ratio calculator accepts custom width and height values. You do not need a separate page for every possible dimension pair.

How these references are maintained

Ratio reductions, scale examples and crop geometry are calculated from the same tested functions used by the tool. Examples assume rectangular frames and matching measurement units. Platform requirements can change independently of the mathematics. Report an incorrect example through Contact us.