YouTube Banner Size and Aspect Ratio
Start with 2560 × 1440 px (16:9) to prepare a channel banner. The calculator scales this shape without stretching.
YouTube Banner size calculator
Official recommended channel-art canvas
Exact target ratio.
YouTube Banner quick answer
2560 × 1440 pixels is the official recommended channel-art canvas used on this page. A working size is a useful design canvas, not automatically the only accepted upload size.
YouTube may resize, recompress or responsively crop the file. Dimensions describe the canvas; source quality, compression and current uploader limits still matter.
Plan the crop
Different devices reveal different parts of one banner; treat the outer canvas as flexible background.
Choose the destination ratio before adding text. If the source differs, fill crops pixels while fit preserves them with added canvas. Never change only width or height, because that distorts the content.
Protect important content
Keep the logo and channel name inside the centered safe area and verify every device preview.
Safe zones can move with interface changes, captions, translations and device layouts. Keep an editable master and inspect the current publishing preview.
A reliable export workflow
- Confirm the exact placement instead of choosing only by platform.
- Set the canvas to 2560 × 1440 or another accepted size at 16:9.
- Position the subject, then place large readable text inside generous margins.
- Export once from the best available master; avoid repeated lossy conversions.
- Open the final file and inspect it in the current YouTube upload preview.
A correct ratio cannot guarantee sharpness. Image format, codec, bitrate, frame rate, color and original detail remain separate decisions. Preserve the source so future changes do not require enlarging a downloaded copy.
Official reference and scope
YouTube first-party guidance was used to review this page. Where no stable organic-placement raster is published, the page explicitly labels its dimensions as practical.
Advertising formats can have separate limits and safe zones. Verify paid creative in the current ad manager before delivery.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
What size should I start with?
Start with 2560 × 1440 pixels for this 16:9 working canvas, then confirm current upload limits.
Can I use a larger file?
A larger file at the same ratio may preserve detail, but acceptance and processing depend on the placement.
Will correct dimensions prevent every crop?
No. They prevent a ratio mismatch for this canvas but cannot control every responsive preview or interface overlay.
Does this calculator upload media?
No. It only calculates numbers in your browser and does not request or store your file.