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What is a 1:1 square format? Where equal width and height still fit

By TechCompare · Updated · How we check

Use 1:1 when one picture has to work in more than one shape. Export at 1080 × 1080 to keep the frame exact.

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Aspect Ratio Visualizer

Screen A: 16:9
Screen B: 1:1
Difference: 1:1 is 43.7% narrower than 16:9
1:1 next to 16:9 at the same height, so it looks narrower, not taller. Pre-loaded. Swap in another ratio to compare width differences side by side.
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1:1 is the square format, where width and height are equal. A 1080 × 1080 image matches it exactly. Turn a square on its side and nothing changes, which isn't true of any other ratio.

Aspect ratio
1:1
6.1" diagonal
Dimensions
11.0 cm × 11.0 cm4.3" × 4.3"
6.1" at 1:1
Category
Video and Social
Aspect ratio guide

How this is calculated

As of November 2026, Google's ads help says "it's recommended to use different video ratios for Video and App campaigns" and lists "Horizontal 16:9," "Vertical 9:16," and "Square 1:1." It adds, "Square videos are still recommended for App, Demand Gen and Performance Max campaigns."

Meta's media requirements for Instagram feed ads say, "Instagram's recommended aspect ratio for both image and video in Instagram stream is 1:1." That's guidance for ads, so it doesn't describe every post.

Divide 1080 by 1080 and the result is 1.00. At the same height, a 16:9 frame is 78% wider than a square, so a square gives up sideways room.

Verdict

Make a square cut if you run App, Demand Gen or Performance Max campaigns on Google, or feed ads on Instagram, since Google and Meta both recommend square video for those ads.

More Aspect Ratio scenarios

16:9 at 27"
16:9 is a widely supported aspect ratio.
View details
21:9 ultrawide at 34"
The three common 21:9 resolutions are 2560 × 1080 at 2.37:1, 3440 × 1440 at 2.39:1 and 5120 × 2160 at 2.37:1.
View details
32:9 super ultrawide at 49"
32:9 at 49 inches is the super ultrawide format, giving you a 47.17 × 13.27 inches (119.8 × 33.7 cm) viewport.
View details

Related guides

4:5 portrait posts
A portrait frame that sits between square and 9:16.
View guide
9:16 vertical video
The tall frame YouTube Shorts is built around.
View guide
16:9 at 27"
The standard landscape shape for comparison.
View guide

Frequently asked questions

What size is a square video or image?
1080 × 1080 is a common size for square posts. The 1:1 ratio only asks that width and height match, so any square pixel count works. Pick the size your platform or tool asks for.
Is square still used for video?
Yes, in some ad types. As of November 2026, Google's ads help says square videos "are still recommended for App, Demand Gen and Performance Max campaigns."
Why does a square look so different from 16:9?
At the same height, a 16:9 frame is 78% wider. A square holds less width at that height, so a 16:9 scene has to be reframed to fit it.

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