PSL Scale · Practical guides
Facial Ratios Explained: fWHR, Midface and Face Proportions
Learn the exact formulas behind face length-to-width, fWHR, eye spacing, midface and lower-face ratios. Compare photo measurements with a free calculator.
A facial ratio divides one visible distance by another, so the measurement has no physical unit. Its meaning depends on the chosen landmarks. Compare the formula and photo conditions before comparing results from two calculators.
Face length-to-width ratio and jaw width
In the facial ratios calculator, face length runs from the upper mesh point to the chin and width spans the cheek landmarks. The top mesh point is not the true hairline. Jaw-to-cheek width divides the distance between two lower outline points by cheek width. These help describe a photographed outline, but hair coverage, facial hair and perspective can change the estimated points.
What fWHR means in this tool
Here, facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) is cheek width divided by the distance from the midpoint of the inner brow anchors to the upper lip. Other tools and research contexts may use different vertical anchors. A number without its formula is easy to misread. This tool does not infer personality, behavior or ability from fWHR; the result is simply a disclosed geometric comparison.
Eye spacing and the midface ratio
Eye spacing divides the inner-corner gap by the average width of the two eye openings. The midface ratio here divides iris-center spacing by the distance from their midpoint to the upper lip. That differs from definitions using the nose base or another vertical landmark. Both measurements need open eyes and a straight-on view. Neither produces a calibrated pupil distance in millimetres.
Lower-face, mouth and nose ratios
The lower-face percentage compares nose-base-to-chin with the full upper-mesh-to-chin span. Mouth-to-face width divides the mouth-corner span by cheek width; nose-to-mouth width uses the nostril-side anchors over mouth width. Relax your lips for these readings. A smile changes the mouth span and can make two perfectly valid photographs produce different ratios.
Golden ratio comparisons are separate formulas
The free golden ratio face calculator compares three specifically named ratios with phi, approximately 1.618. It does not require every facial ratio to equal that number. The general ratios calculator shows your measured proportions without turning them into a universal ideal. Inspect the lines, understand the anchors and use the results as one piece of styling context.
Make a useful comparison between photographs
Keep camera height, distance, lighting and expression consistent. The engine accounts for image aspect ratio, so adding empty space around a portrait should not change its geometric proportions; turning the head still changes projection. If one reading changes unexpectedly, inspect its anchors before interpreting it as a change to your face. For broader context, pair the ratios with the free symmetry test.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one ideal facial ratio for everyone?
These tools do not establish one. Ratios describe selected distances and depend on the formula and photograph.
Why do two websites show different midface ratios?
They may use different anchors, invert the ratio or ignore image aspect ratio. Compare the formula before comparing the number.
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