Social Media Aspect Ratio Guide (2026)
Use this guide to choose the right aspect ratio for Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. If you need to convert a ratio into exact dimensions, jump back to the calculator and plug in your width or height.
Quick reference
- 1:1 for square feed posts
- 4:5 for portrait feed posts
- 9:16 for Stories and Reels
YouTube
- 16:9 for thumbnails and standard video
- 9:16 for Shorts
- 16:9 base canvas for channel banner work
- 1.91:1 for share images
- 1:1 for square organic posts
- 4:1 for personal banners
- 4:5 for portrait feed posts
- 1.91:1 for link/share images
- 9:16 for Stories and Reels
X
- 16:9 for common image posts
- 3:1 for header images
How to use this with the calculator
- Pick the platform format you want, like 4:5 for Instagram portrait or 9:16 for Shorts.
- Open the aspect ratio calculator and select the matching preset.
- Enter a width or height to calculate the exact dimensions you need.
- Use the preview panel to sanity-check the shape before exporting your asset.
Best ratios by platform
Instagram is easiest to think about as three core formats: 1:1 for square posts, 4:5 for portrait feed posts, and 9:16 for Stories and Reels. If you only care about feed performance and mobile real estate, 4:5 is usually the strongest default.
YouTube
Use 16:9 for thumbnails and standard video, and 9:16 for Shorts. Those two formats cover most modern YouTube publishing workflows.
LinkedIn commonly uses 1.91:1 for shared images, 1:1 for square organic posts, and 4:1 for personal profile banners. If you are creating social graphics for thought leadership or company promotion, these are the ratios worth memorizing.
Facebook overlaps heavily with Instagram on vertical content. 4:5 works well for portrait feed posts, 1.91:1 still matters for link previews and shares, and 9:16 is the most useful format for Stories and Reels.
X
X content is usually simplest with 16:9 image posts and 3:1 headers. Those two presets cover the most recognizable publishing surfaces on the platform.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best aspect ratio for Instagram posts?
The most useful Instagram ratios are 1:1 for square posts, 4:5 for portrait feed posts, and 9:16 for Stories and Reels.
What aspect ratio should I use for YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts use a 9:16 aspect ratio, typically exported at 1080×1920.
What aspect ratio is best for LinkedIn images?
1.91:1 works well for share images, 1:1 is useful for square posts, and 4:1 is common for personal profile banners.
What aspect ratio should I use for Facebook posts?
4:5 is strong for portrait feed posts, 1.91:1 is common for link/share images, and 9:16 is best for Stories and Reels.