Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator
Convert between storage (square-pixel) resolution and display aspect ratio for non-square-pixel formats like DV, HDV and anamorphic SD.
SD and some HD formats stored non-square pixels: 720×480 NTSC with a 1.2121 PAR displays as 16:9, not 3:2. When you bring such footage into a square-pixel timeline you must apply the PAR or everything looks stretched. This converts stored geometry to true display geometry.
Rule / Formula
Convert between storage (square-pixel) resolution and display aspect ratio for non-square-pixel formats like DV, HDV and anamorphic SD.
About Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator
Convert between storage (square-pixel) resolution and display aspect ratio for non-square-pixel formats like DV, HDV and anamorphic SD. SD and some HD formats stored non-square pixels: 720×480 NTSC with a 1.2121 PAR displays as 16:9, not 3:2. When you bring such footage into a square-pixel timeline you must apply the PAR or everything looks stretched. This converts stored geometry to true display geometry.
How to use Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator
- 1Enter your values into the fields in Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) 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 Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator?
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser with instant, private results — no data leaves your device.
- ✓Built on a published reference: ITU-R BT.601 (SD sampling).
- ✓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 Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator do?+
Convert between storage (square-pixel) resolution and display aspect ratio for non-square-pixel formats like DV, HDV and anamorphic SD. SD and some HD formats stored non-square pixels: 720×480 NTSC with a 1.2121 PAR displays as 16:9, not 3:2.
Is my data private?+
Yes. Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never uploaded, stored or logged.
What standard or source is Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator based on?+
It follows ITU-R BT.601 (SD sampling); SMPTE RP 187. Always confirm against the current official document, as specifications and rates can change.
What formula does it use?+
Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator uses: DAR = (stored width × PAR) ÷ stored height; square-pixel width = stored width × PAR. The tool shows this formula with your own numbers substituted so you can verify the result.
Is Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) 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 Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator on your website
Want Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) 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/pixel-aspect-ratio-calculator" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px;max-width:680px" title="Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR) Calculator — ToolJolt" loading="lazy"></iframe>Related Broadcast tools
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