Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator
Fit content of one aspect ratio inside a frame of another and get the exact bar height/width and the scaled image size.
Fitting 2.39 scope content into a 16:9 frame letterboxes it: the image becomes 1920×803 with ~138 px black bars top and bottom. Putting 4:3 into 16:9 pillarboxes instead. These are the exact numbers to set a matte or position a graphic clear of the bars.
Rule / Formula
Fit content of one aspect ratio inside a frame of another and get the exact bar height/width and the scaled image size.
About Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator
Fit content of one aspect ratio inside a frame of another and get the exact bar height/width and the scaled image size. Fitting 2.39 scope content into a 16:9 frame letterboxes it: the image becomes 1920×803 with ~138 px black bars top and bottom. Putting 4:3 into 16:9 pillarboxes instead. These are the exact numbers to set a matte or position a graphic clear of the bars.
How to use Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator
- 1Enter your values into the fields in Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator.
- 2The result and any pass/fail verdict update instantly as you type — no button to press.
- 3Check the substituted formula and worked example to see exactly how the result was derived.
- 4Copy or note the result for your spec, delivery or planning.
Why use Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator?
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser with instant, private results — no data leaves your device.
- ✓Built on a published reference: EBU R 95 (safe areas).
- ✓Shows the governing formula and a worked example, so you can trust and check every result.
- ✓100% free with no sign-up, no watermark and no usage limits.
- ✓Works on any device — desktop, tablet or phone — and keeps working offline once loaded.
Frequently asked questions
What does Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator do?+
Fit content of one aspect ratio inside a frame of another and get the exact bar height/width and the scaled image size. Fitting 2.39 scope content into a 16:9 frame letterboxes it: the image becomes 1920×803 with ~138 px black bars top and bottom.
Is my data private?+
Yes. Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never uploaded, stored or logged.
What standard or source is Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator based on?+
It follows EBU R 95 (safe areas); SMPTE active-format conventions. Always confirm against the current official document, as specifications and rates can change.
What formula does it use?+
Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator uses: if content is wider than frame → letterbox: image height = frame width ÷ content AR; bar = (frame height − image height) ÷ 2. The tool shows this formula with your own numbers substituted so you can verify the result.
Is Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator free to use?+
Yes — it is completely free with no account, no sign-up and no usage limits. There is no watermark and no paywall.
Embed Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator on your website
Want Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculatoron your own site? Paste this snippet into any HTML page — it's free, with no API key or sign-up. The tool loads in an iframe and keeps working exactly as it does here.
<iframe src="https://tooljolt.com/tools/letterbox-pillarbox-calculator" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px;max-width:680px" title="Letterbox / Pillarbox Calculator — ToolJolt" loading="lazy"></iframe>Related Broadcast tools
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