Resolution Chart and Aspect Ratio Guide

For all filmmakers, choosing what resolution one wishes to work in is a critical decision when considering a project.

While the 16:9 ratio is what we are all most familiar with, there are other resolutions out there.

Largely, these are used not at the consumer level but in professional and exhibition settings.

Here’s an easy-to-reference resolution chart and aspect ratio guide for video and photo production that will help you make the right decision.

Size	Dimensions	Frame Aspect Ratio
32K	30720 x 17280	16:9 (1.78)
16K	15360 x 8640	16:9 (1.78)
12K	11520 x 6480	16:9 (1.78)
10K	10240 x 4320	64:27 (2.37)
8K	8192 x 4320	256:135 (1.90)
8K UHD	7680 x 4320	16:9 (1.78)
6K	6144 x 3160	768:395 (1.94)
5K	5120 x 2700	256:135 (1.90)
4K	4096 x 2160	256:135 (1.90)
4K UHD	3840 x 2160	16:9 (1.78)
2K	2048 x 1080	256:135 (1.90)
HD	1920 x 1080	16:9 (1.78)
720P	1280 x 720	16:9 (1.78)
SD	640x480	4:3 (1.33)
New Mobile 18x9	1920x960	2:1

4:3

The classic 640x480 aspect ratio of standard definition (SDTV).

720p

This is the old standard resolution which to this day, most major networks still broadcast in.

The pixel ratio here is 1280 x 720. Channels also transmit in HD since there are very few TVs out there which are still 720p.

HD (16:9 Resolution)

Just about every broadcaster currently uses HD. Also known as “full HD,” it can additionally be referred to as 1080p and has a resolution of 1920x1080.

This is the industry standard and most popular aspect ratio.

2K

The 2K format (2040x1080) came about as a standard for digital projection in movie theaters.

256:135 (2:1)

This common ratio is found largely in settings meant for professional use in exhibition and in office and home monitors.

4K UHD

What is called 4K programming and broadcasting is in fact 4K UHD (3840x2160).

This is what all the Blu-rays and films streaming in 4K really are, as the top resolution in the consumer sphere.

4K

As with the 2K format, 4K (4096x2160) is a standard used for projection in movie theaters.

This higher resolution is generally used for 3D exhibitions and other higher resolution needs.

5K

This format (5120x2700) is primarily used for consumer computer displays, geared mostly for professionals working in photo, graphic design, 3D modeling, and video editing.

6K

When it comes to 6K resolution (6144x3160), you will find an aspect ratio of 768:395.

While there is no widespread exhibition use for 6K, it is used for higher resolution 4K displays.

8K UHD

Commonly known as 8K, this format is really 8K UHD (7680x4320).

Considered to be the next big thing, all the latest consumer TVs already offering it.

At this rate, pixels can no longer be discerned by the naked eye.

8K

As with some of its counterparts, the true 8k format (8192x4320) is used for professional purposes like shooting and editing and not as a consumer TV resolution.

10K

The high level of resolution in 10K (10240x4320) comes in a 64:27 aspect ratio. It is not in especially wide use, mostly being a tool for greater post-production flexibility.

12K

When it comes to 12K video (11520x6480), it’s no longer about how audiences view it but how cinematographers and editors use it.

Utilizing this resolution allows for clearer image capturing and enhanced editing capabilities.

16K

Uses for even higher resolutions like 16K (15360x8640) evolve into two primary areas.

The first is for large digital signage, as is the case with commercial displays over 60 feet wide and almost 20 feet tall.

Virtual reality is the other, with such resolutions enhancing the immersive experience.

32K

Somewhere in the future, 32K (30720x17280) may become more prevalent.

Right now, it is being tested in a limited capacity with an eye towards very large exhibition purposes and further VR refinements.

We hope you’ve found this article on the Resolution Chart and Aspect Ratios to be useful and practical.

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