4 5 Ratio in Pixels Guide for Social Media Images

Mastering the 4:5 Ratio in Pixels for Social Media Success

If you create content for social platforms, understanding the 4:5 ratio in pixels can be the difference between a scroll-past and a scroll-stopper. This portrait-oriented aspect ratio maximizes vertical space on mobile feeds without awkward cropping. In this guide, we’ll break down what 4:5 means, how to convert it into pixels, recommended sizes, editing tools, and best practices — so your visuals are always crisp, compelling, and platform-optimized.

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Understanding Aspect Ratios and the 4:5 Format

An aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between an image's width and height. It is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon — for example, 4:5.

The 4:5 ratio means that for every 4 units of width, there are 5 units of height. This makes it a portrait orientation that is taller than it is wide. It's a popular choice for visual content, especially on platforms where vertical screen real estate is valuable.

In contrast, ratios like 16:9 (widescreen) or 1:1 (square) serve different purposes. The 4:5 format strikes a balance between vertical imagery and maintaining enough width for engaging visuals.

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Why the 4:5 Ratio is Popular on Social Media

The 4:5 ratio in pixels dominates certain social channels like Instagram and Facebook for good reasons:

• Maximizes screen coverage on mobile without pushing into story/reel verticality (which might crop in feeds).
• Platform-approved — Instagram automatically displays 4:5 portrait images without adding borders.
• Better engagement — Taller images catch the eye as users scroll.

For Instagram in particular, the 4:5 ratio is the maximum portrait size allowed for posts without getting cropped to a shorter height.

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How to Calculate Pixel Dimensions for a 4:5 Ratio

To convert the ratio into pixels, you can use a simple proportional formula:

Height = (5 ÷ 4) × Width

For example, if the width is 1080 px:

Height = (5 ÷ 4) × 1080
       = 1.25 × 1080
       = 1350 px

So a 1080×1350 pixel image maintains a perfect 4:5 ratio.

You can reverse this calculation by dividing the height by 1.25 to find the width.

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Common 4:5 Pixel Dimensions

While you can technically use any pixel size, certain standard dimensions are frequently used for social media:

Higher resolution is often better for clarity, but be mindful of platform file size limits.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Resizing/Cropping Images to 4:5 Without Quality Loss

When aiming for the perfect 4:5 ratio in pixels, follow these best practices:

1. Check the Original Resolution
2. Ensure your source image has at least the desired width and height to avoid upscaling.
3. Maintain Aspect Ratio Constraint
4. Use software that locks proportions when resizing.
5. Crop Strategically
6. Focus on the subject; use rule-of-thirds to maintain composition.
7. Export in High Quality
8. Save as JPEG (quality 80–90%) or PNG for detailed images to avoid visible compression.

Example workflow in Photoshop:

Step 1: Open image
Step 2: Select Crop Tool
Step 3: Set aspect ratio to 4:5
Step 4: Position crop for best composition
Step 5: Export with appropriate resolution (e.g., 1080x1350)

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Recommended Tools and Apps for Maintaining the Correct Ratio

Whether you’re a desktop power user or prefer mobile, here are some solid options:

• Adobe Photoshop / Lightroom — precise controls over cropping and exporting.
• Canva — quick presets for Instagram posts.
• Figma — perfect for designers, scalable frames at exact ratios.
• Snapseed (Mobile) — free, powerful, with aspect presets.
• Pixelmator — affordable desktop editor, including crop ratio locking.
• Kapwing / Photopea — online solutions with ratio features.

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Best Practices for Uploading 4:5 Images to Different Platforms

To ensure images look their best:

• Instagram: Upload at 1080×1350 px. Avoid uploading larger sizes unless you need zoom/crop flexibility — Instagram will compress them.
• Facebook: 960×1200 or 1200×1500 px works well; higher if used for ads.
• Pinterest: Accepts 4:5 but often prefers taller — however, for consistent branding, keep ratio uniform.
• LinkedIn: Supports 4:5 images in posts; ensure at least 1200 px height for clarity.

Tip: Always preview how platforms display your images after upload.

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Mistakes to Avoid with 4:5 Images

When working with the 4:5 ratio in pixels, avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Stretching Images
2. Never manually stretch widths or heights to match the ratio — always crop.
3. Unintended Cropping
4. Some platforms slightly crop thumbnails — check composition in post previews.
5. Low Resolution Uploads
6. Avoid blurry images; upscale cautiously or start from larger originals.
7. Ignoring Safe Zones
8. Text or logos on the edges may get cut off in previews — keep critical elements centered.
9. Overcompression
10. Avoid overly low JPEG quality. Maintain balance between file size and image clarity.

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Quick Pixel Size Chart for Reference

Here’s a handy summary of common 4:5 ratio in pixels sizes:

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Conclusion and Next Steps

The 4:5 ratio is a cornerstone for visually compelling portrait images on social media. Whether you’re an influencer designing your feed or a business creating ads, understanding and using the correct 4:5 ratio in pixels ensures your content looks professional and platform-optimized.

By sticking to common pixel dimensions, using the right tools, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make the most of your visual space across social media while maintaining high-quality, eye-catching images.

Pro tip: Bookmark the pixel size chart above for quick reference and experiment with different dimensions to see what drives the best engagement for your brand.

Ready to elevate your visual strategy? Start resizing your next post to the 4:5 ratio and watch your audience respond.