What are common canvas aspect ratios?

Common ratios: 3:4 (30x40cm), 2:3 (40x60cm), 1:1 (square), 4:5 (40x50cm), 1:2 (panoramic). The golden ratio (1:1.618) is considered especially pleasing in art and design.

What is the golden ratio in art?

The golden ratio is approximately 1:1.618 (often written as the Greek letter phi). It appears throughout nature and has been used in art since antiquity. A canvas of 500 x 809 mm follows the golden ratio. Many master paintings, from Da Vinci to Mondrian, use golden ratio proportions in their compositions.

Why does aspect ratio matter?

Maintaining aspect ratio when scaling ensures the composition is not distorted. Changing one dimension without the other stretches or squashes the image.

How do I scale a painting to a different size?

Enter the original dimensions, specify your desired new width OR height, and this calculator works out the other dimension to maintain proportions.

ArtCalcs.uk

Aspect Ratio Calculator

Calculate equivalent canvas dimensions when scaling artwork to a different size. Includes golden ratio detection.

Quick presets

Original Width

The artwork's current width — measure the painted area or the canvas itself

Original Height

The artwork's current height, measured the same way as the width

Scale ByChoose which dimension you fix; the other is calculated to keep the same proportions

New Width

The target width to scale to — used when 'Lock width' is selected

New Height

The target height to scale to — used when 'Lock height' is selected

How We Calculate This

Scale factor = New dimension / Original dimension

Other dimension = Original dimension x Scale factor

Common art ratios

1:1 — Square (common for Instagram, portraits)
3:4 — Classic canvas (30x40 cm)
2:3 — Standard photo / 35mm film
4:5 — Popular medium format
1:1.618 — Golden ratio (considered the most aesthetically pleasing proportion)
1:1.414 — A-series paper ratio (1:√2)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.