The ratio of screen to display most commonly refers to the aspect ratio, which describes the proportional relationship between the width and the height of the screen or display area.
Understanding Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9) or as a decimal (e.g., 1.78:1). It indicates how many units wide the display is for every unit of height.
- A ratio of 4:3 means the screen is 4 units wide for every 3 units high.
- A ratio of 16:9 means the screen is 16 units wide for every 9 units high.
Common Screen Aspect Ratios
Based on common usage, particularly from the provided reference, two aspect ratios are most prevalent for televisions, computer monitors, and other displays:
- 4:3 (also known as 1.33:1 or fullscreen)
- 16:9 (also known as 1.78:1 or widescreen)
| Aspect Ratio | Alternative Names | Description | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:3 | 1.33:1, Fullscreen | Squarish shape, 33% wider than high. | Older TVs, computer monitors, classic media. |
| 16:9 | 1.78:1, Widescreen | Rectangular shape, significantly wider than high. | Modern TVs, monitors, smartphones, movies. |
The reference specifically notes that "All the older TV's and computer monitors you grew up with had the squarish 4:3 shape– 33% wider than it was high." Today, 16:9 is the standard for high-definition televisions and most modern digital content due to its wider format. Larger aspect ratio formats (wider than 16:9) are often used in the motion picture industry for a more cinematic view.
While "ratio of screen to display" could theoretically refer to the screen-to-body ratio (the size of the active display area compared to the entire device frame), in the context of display shape and proportions, it refers to the aspect ratio.
