# Aspect ratio: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Aspect ratio expresses the proportion between the width and height of an image, video or container, such as 16:9 or 1:1.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ux/aspect-ratio.html

# Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio expresses the proportion between the width and height of an image, video or container, such as 16:9 or 1:1\. It helps define composition and available space

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

When content and [container](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/container.html) have different proportions, the content may be cropped, distorted or shown in full with empty space remaining. The choice depends on which information must be preserved. Reserving dimensions before media loads helps reduce layout shifts, but should be consistent with the final presentation.

Topics

[Experience and service design](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/experiencia-y-diseno-de-servicios)

## Related concepts

- [Responsive cropping](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ux/responsive-cropping.html)
- [Pixel](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/pixel.html)
- [Core Web Vitals](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/core-web-vitals)