Instagram aspect ratios and sizes
Choose a canvas by placement, then check the preview before publishing. Instagram may render posts differently across the profile grid, feed and full-screen viewer, so the source ratio and every preview crop are not always identical.
Instagram size quick reference
| Placement | Ratio | Working size | Basis | Planning note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square post | 1:1 | 1080 × 1080 | Practical working size | Balanced square source for feed artwork and reusable graphics. | |
| Portrait post | 4:5 | 1080 × 1350 | Practical working size | Taller feed canvas that uses more vertical screen space than a square. | |
| Reel / Story canvas | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 | Practical working size | Full-screen vertical source; keep essential content away from interface controls. |
Choose the Instagram ratio by placement
- Use 1:1 when the design must remain balanced and reusable across square previews.
- Use 4:5 for a portrait feed composition; do not force a 3:4 camera photo into 4:5 without checking the side crop.
- Use 9:16 for full-screen vertical Reels or Stories and preview captions, buttons and account information before publishing.
A practical export workflow
Start with the original image, select the placement, and calculate the crop before adding text. Export a separate version for each materially different shape. Reusing one file for 1:1, 4:5 and 9:16 can cut off faces, products or calls to action.
Use the image checker for a source image or the video calculator for planned export dimensions. Calculations happen in your browser.
What this guide does not guarantee
Organic-post behavior and advertising specifications are not interchangeable. Instagram can update grid previews, upload handling and interface overlays; verify the final composition in the current app before scheduling or paying for distribution.
A ratio describes shape; it does not guarantee file quality, accepted codec, duration, file size or how an interface crops a preview.
Official references
Platform requirements change. These first-party pages are the final reference for a current publishing decision.
Related calculators and guides
Frequently asked questions
What aspect ratio should I use for an Instagram portrait post?
4:5 is a practical portrait feed ratio, commonly prepared at 1080 × 1350. Check the current publishing preview because grid and feed displays can crop differently.
Is 1080 × 1350 exactly 4:5?
Yes. Dividing both dimensions by 270 gives exactly 4:5.
Can I use one image for a post and a Reel?
You can reuse the source, but a 4:5 post and a 9:16 Reel need different compositions. Create placement-specific crops when important content is near the edges.