Golden Ratio Calculator

About this calculator

This calculator splits a given length into two segments whose ratio equals the golden ratio, φ ≈ 1.618 — the proportion where the ratio of the whole length to the larger segment equals the ratio of the larger segment to the smaller one, a self-similar relationship that has fascinated mathematicians since antiquity.

Designers, photographers and architects use the golden ratio to divide a composition, page layout, or building facade into proportions that are widely considered visually pleasing — it shows up in classical architecture, Renaissance art, logo design, and photo composition guides as an alternative to the simpler rule of thirds. This calculator does the arithmetic so a designer can go straight from a total width or height to the exact split point without working out the ratio by hand.