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Composition Calculators

Calculate rule of thirds, golden ratio, golden spiral, panorama settings, photo merge and symmetry guides.

8 free calculators in Composition

Understanding Photographic Composition

Composition is the arrangement of visual elements within the frame. The Rule of Thirds divides the image into a 3×3 grid, placing key subjects on the intersection points or along the lines. This simple guideline creates dynamic, balanced images that draw the viewer's eye naturally through the frame.

The Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618:1, denoted by phi) provides a mathematically harmonious division of the frame. Unlike the equal thirds of the Rule of Thirds, the golden ratio places the division at approximately 38% and 62% of the frame dimensions, creating a subtly different and often more pleasing balance.

Panoramic photography requires careful overlap between frames (typically 25-30%) to allow stitching software to align and blend the images. The total horizontal field of view, the lens focal length, and the desired overlap percentage determine the number of frames needed. Shooting in portrait orientation gives more vertical coverage and more overlap area for better stitching.

Our composition calculators help you pre-visualise your images, plan panorama sequences, and understand how different compositional frameworks apply to your specific image dimensions and aspect ratios.