Video Resolution Checker — Resolution, Aspect Ratio & Bitrate Specs
This tool identifies the resolution standard, aspect ratio, megapixel count, and recommended streaming bitrate for any video dimensions. You can either upload a video file and let the tool read the metadata automatically, or type in the width and height manually if you already know them. It works entirely in your browser and does not upload your video anywhere. The results include the standard resolution name (such as 1080p Full HD or 4K UHD), the exact aspect ratio reduced to its simplest form, and a comparison of how far the dimensions deviate from the nearest recognised standard. The bitrate table shows recommended upload settings for YouTube at 24, 30, and 60 frames per second, so you can confirm whether your export settings match the platform's specifications. This is useful for video editors, content creators, and developers who work with video assets and need a quick technical reference.
Your file is read locally in the browser. Nothing is uploaded to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is video resolution?
Video resolution is the number of pixels in each frame, expressed as width by height. A video at 1920x1080 has 1,920 pixels across and 1,080 tall. Higher resolution means more detail in the image, larger file sizes, and higher processing requirements. Common standards are 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (2K), and 2160p (4K UHD).
What is the difference between 1080p and 4K?
1080p is 1920x1080 pixels, giving about 2.07 megapixels per frame. 4K UHD is 3840x2160 pixels, giving about 8.29 megapixels per frame. 4K contains exactly four times as many pixels as 1080p, which means sharper images on larger screens. The trade-off is larger file sizes and higher bandwidth requirements for streaming.
What aspect ratio should my video be?
For YouTube and most streaming platforms, 16:9 is the standard widescreen ratio. Square 1:1 and portrait 4:5 work well for Instagram feed posts. TikTok and Instagram Reels use 9:16 vertical format. Cinema productions often use 2.39:1 for an anamorphic widescreen look. Choosing the right ratio for each platform avoids black bars or cropping.
What bitrate do I need for 1080p video?
YouTube recommends 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps (SDR) and 12 Mbps at 60 fps. For HDR content those figures rise to 10 Mbps and 15 Mbps respectively. For archival or editing purposes, most codecs use much higher bitrates (50 to 100 Mbps or more). Final delivery to viewers is compressed further by the streaming platform based on available connection speed.
How do I check what resolution my video is?
Upload the video file to this tool and it will read the resolution from the file metadata in your browser without sending anything to a server. You can also right-click the file and view its properties, or open it in a media player and look at the file information panel. Video editing software displays resolution in the clip properties or sequence settings.
What resolution should I use for YouTube uploads?
YouTube recommends uploading at the highest resolution your source footage supports. For standard video, 1920x1080 (1080p) is the minimum for HD quality. 3840x2160 (4K UHD) produces the sharpest result and unlocks YouTube's high-quality streaming tier. YouTube re-encodes every uploaded video to multiple resolutions, so uploading at the original resolution ensures the best quality at all playback sizes.
What is the difference between 1080i and 1080p?
1080i (interlaced) and 1080p (progressive) both use 1920x1080 pixels, but differ in how frames are drawn. Interlaced displays alternating horizontal lines each frame (half the image 60 times per second). Progressive displays the complete frame each refresh. 1080p is sharper for fast motion and is the standard for modern streaming, gaming, and consumer video. 1080i is a legacy broadcast standard still used by some TV stations.
Why does 4K video look different on different screens?
4K (3840x2160) contains four times the pixels of 1080p. On a 4K monitor viewed close up, the difference is dramatic. On a 1080p TV, 4K video is downscaled and looks similar to good 1080p content. Viewing distance also matters — at typical couch-to-TV distances, the human eye cannot resolve the extra detail of 4K on screens smaller than 55 inches. The benefit of 4K is most noticeable on large screens viewed close up.
How It Works
This tool creates a hidden HTML video element and loads your file as a local object URL using createObjectURL. Once the metadata loads, it reads videoWidth and videoHeight. The resolution is matched against a table of standard format names and the aspect ratio is computed. The file never leaves your device — no upload occurs.
Resolution Reference
480p SD: 854x480. 720p HD: 1280x720. 1080p Full HD: 1920x1080. 1440p QHD: 2560x1440. 4K UHD: 3840x2160. 8K: 7680x4320. Vertical mobile: 1080x1920. DCI 4K (cinema): 4096x2160. These cover the most common broadcast, streaming, and social media standards in use today.
Frame Rate Matters Too
Resolution and frame rate together determine video quality. Standard is 24fps (cinematic) or 30fps (broadcast). Smooth motion uses 60fps. High-speed slow-motion is 120fps+ played back at 24-30fps. YouTube supports up to 60fps; most platforms cap at 30fps. Higher frame rates mean larger files and more processing power needed for encoding.
When to Use This
Use to verify a client's video meets a platform's resolution requirements before publishing, to check raw footage before starting an edit, to confirm a delivered video matches a production brief specification, or to identify why a video appears blurry when played full screen on a high-resolution monitor.
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