Vertical & Social Media
9:16 (Vertical Story): The standard for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Shorts.
4:5 (Vertical Social): Often used for Instagram feed posts to take up more vertical screen real estate than a square.
Cinematic & Wide Formats
2.76:1 (Ultra Panavision 70): The widest of the bunch; famously used in 'Ben-Hur' and Quentin Tarantino films.
2.39:1 (Anamorphic): The modern standard for widescreen theatrical films.
2.35:1 (Cinemascope): A classic widescreen format popular from the 1950s through the 70s.
1.85:1 (Cinema Standard): The common 'flat' widescreen ratio used for many US theatrical releases.
Photography & Print
5:4 (Large Format Print): Standard for professional large-format cameras and common photo print sizes (like 8x10).
3:2 (35mm Standard): The classic ratio for 35mm film and most modern DSLR/Mirrorless sensors.
2:3 (Vertical 35mm): The portrait orientation of a standard 35mm frame.
Digital, Television & Web
16:9 (Widescreen HD): The universal standard for high-definition TV, monitors, and online video (YouTube).
4:3 (Standard Digital): The ratio of old 'Standard Definition' TVs and many iPad screens.
1:1 (Square): Popularized by early Instagram; a neutral format that works well on all devices.