Academy ratio

cinematography

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July 23, 2026

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The Academy ratio is a standard for the width-to-height proportions of a motion picture frame, most commonly 1.33 to 1, or 4 to 3. This ratio corresponds to the dimensions of 35-mm film. Cinematographers use this framing to select what is included in the film and to direct the viewer's attention.12

While the Academy ratio was the standard, other aspect ratios, such as CinemaScope (approximately 2.2 to 1 to 2.65 to 1) and widescreen (1.75 to 1 or 1.66 to 1), have been developed to create wider images. These different ratios can affect the aesthetic and compositional choices made by filmmakers, influencing how viewers perceive the on-screen action and relationships.2

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Framing
…most common, known as the Academy ratio, is 1.33 to 1, or 4 to 3, a ratio corresponding to the dimensions of the frame of 35-mm film. By using 70-mm film or a special CinemaScope lens, an image with wider horizontal and shorter vertical dimensions is achieved—a proportion of about…
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…most common, known as the Academy ratio, is 1.33 to 1, or 4 to 3, a ratio corresponding to the dimensions of the frame of 35-mm film. By using 70-mm film or a special CinemaScope lens, an image with wider horizontal and shorter vertical dimensions is achieved—a proportion of about…
Read More