Golden Ratio Calculator
Split any length into two golden sections, or find the matching side from the longer or shorter one. You also get a golden rectangle preview and a φ-based scale of sizes for layouts, typography and woodworking.
Width of a page, canvas, layout or any length
How to use the Golden Ratio Calculator
- Choose what you know: the total length, the longer side a or the shorter side b.
- Enter the length and pick a unit.
- Read the golden sections a and b and the whole a + b.
- Use the φ scale table for harmonious font sizes, margins or panel widths.
- Copy the results or download the scale as CSV.
Golden ratio formulas
Two lengths a (longer) and b (shorter) are in the golden ratio when a ÷ b = (a + b) ÷ a = φ. Solving that gives φ = (1 + √5) ÷ 2 ≈ 1.6180339887, with the handy identities φ² = φ + 1 ≈ 2.618034 and 1 ÷ φ = φ − 1 ≈ 0.618034.
| You know | Longer side a | Shorter side b | Whole a + b |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole length T | T ÷ φ ≈ T × 0.618034 | T ÷ φ² ≈ T × 0.381966 | T |
| Longer side a | a | a ÷ φ ≈ a × 0.618034 | a × φ |
| Shorter side b | b × φ ≈ b × 1.618034 | b | b × φ² ≈ b × 2.618034 |
Common golden splits
| Total | Longer section (61.8%) | Shorter section (38.2%) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 960 px | 593.31 px | 366.69 px | Content and sidebar widths |
| 1200 px | 741.64 px | 458.36 px | Wide page layout |
| 1920 px | 1,186.63 px | 733.37 px | Full HD hero split |
| 100 cm | 61.80 cm | 38.20 cm | Furniture and frames |
| 8 ft | 4.94 ft | 3.06 ft | Shelf or panel placement |
For a design scale, multiply a base value by φ for every step up (16 → 25.89 → 41.89 px) and divide by φ for every step down (16 → 9.89 → 6.11 px). Rounding to whole pixels or to nearby Fibonacci numbers (8, 13, 21, 34, 55) keeps the feel of the ratio with practical sizes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the golden ratio?
The golden ratio φ (phi) is about 1.6180339887. Two lengths a > b are in the golden ratio when a ÷ b equals (a + b) ÷ a. Its exact value is (1 + √5) ÷ 2.
How do I divide a length by the golden ratio?
Divide the total by φ to get the longer section: a = total ÷ 1.618034, which is about 61.8% of the total. The shorter section is the rest, b = total − a, about 38.2%. For 1200 px that gives about 741.64 px and 458.36 px.
How do I find the other side of a golden rectangle?
If you know the long side, divide it by 1.618034 to get the short side. If you know the short side, multiply it by 1.618034 to get the long side.
How is the golden ratio used for font sizes?
A golden type scale multiplies a base size by φ for each step up and divides by φ for each step down. From a 16 px body size the next sizes up are about 25.9 px and 41.9 px, and the step down is about 9.9 px.
What is the link between the golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers?
The ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers (8/5, 13/8, 21/13, …) gets closer and closer to φ. That is why Fibonacci-based sizes such as 5, 8, 13, 21 are often used as a whole-number approximation of a golden scale.
Why is the golden ratio 61.8% and 38.2%?
1 ÷ φ ≈ 0.618 and 1 ÷ φ² ≈ 0.382, and these two add up to exactly 1. So the longer section is 61.8% of the whole and the shorter section is 38.2%.