what is the standard size of a presentation slide

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What size should my slides be, 16:9 or 4:3?

July 3, 2017 by Laura Foley 2 Comments

Deciding on a slide format used to be easy when there was only one choice. Nowadays, you can choose between 4:3 format or 16:9. What do these numbers mean and which size should you choose for your presentations?

What the numbers mean

The above notation is called the “aspect ratio,” or the ratio of the width to the height of the slide. In the 4:3 aspect ratio, the dimensions are 1024 x 768 pixels (10.67″ x 8″); the height is 3/4 of the width. Back in the Ye Olde Days of PowerPoint, it was your only choice. Why? Because that’s the aspect ratio of actual slides, pictured above, television screens, and early computer monitors.

When high-definition screens came on the scene in the early 2000s, they were built in a 16:10 aspect ratio. But as more and more high-definition screens were manufactured, it became clear that screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio were cheaper to manufacture. So the 16:9 aspect ratio (1920 x 1080 pixels or 13.3″ x 7.5″) became the new standard.

What size should you choose?

From boardrooms to computer monitors to smartphone screens, 16:9 is the default screen aspect ratio so that’s the slide size I always go with. The 16:9 format gives you a lot of slide real estate to play around with! The legacy 4:3 aspect ratio, while still used, creates smaller slides and doesn’t look that great on newer screens.

How do you change an old 4:3 deck to the new 16:9 format?

Oh, this is super-fun to do and you’re a lucky duck if it becomes your job.

To resize your slides go to the Design tab on the ribbon and select Slide Size/Widescreen on the right side of the screen.

After you select the new size, this window will appear:

Now you’re faced with either everything on the slides being stretched out or squished to fill the space. Oh boy! Either way, after you make your selection you’ll need to go through the presentation slide by slide to ensure that everything looks good. This can be fairly straightforward if the creator of the presentation stayed within the template or a real pain in the rear if he/she didn’t. But do go through the deck to ensure that everything looks right.

If you’re a production artist that charges by the hour, reformatting an organization’s slides from 4:3 to 16:9 could be a nice little gig for you!

Other slide sizes for special events

Now, the 16:9 format is great for everyday use but what if you’re designing a presentation for an event? Last year, I was designing slides for a corporate conference where the setup included multiple, massive screens. For that event, the slides measured 52″ x 17″ and had a “leave this space blank” area on the bottom. Each event is different, so if you’re working on slides like these you need to become friends with the AV folks and find out what size slides they recommend for optimal viewing on that particular setup. The last thing you want to see on a gigantic stage are distorted graphics!

Bottom line

Unless you’re told otherwise, use the 16:9 format. You get a lot more space on each slide for your visuals and it’s really the way things are going.

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Change the size of your slides

Basic steps.

To change the slide size:

Select the Design tab of the toolbar ribbon.

Select Standard (4:3 aspect ratio) or Widescreen (16:9) or Custom Slide Size .

For more about the predefined sizes (including formats like Overhead, A3, A4, Banner, B4, and B5) or your own custom sizing, click a heading below to expand it and see the details .

Detailed steps

Choose the standard or widescreen slide size.

On the Design tab of the Ribbon, locate Slide Size in the Customize group, near the far right end of the toolbar.

Select Slide Size , and then select either Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) .

When PowerPoint is unable to automatically scale your content, it prompts you with two options:

Maximize : Select this option to increase the size of your slide content when you are scaling to a larger slide size. Choosing this option could result in your content not fitting on the slide.

Ensure Fit : Select this option to decrease the size of your content when scaling to a smaller slide size. This could make your content appear smaller, but you’ll be able to see all content on your slide.

The 16:9 widescreen setting is the default value for new presentations you create. When you change the slide size for a presentation, the size you choose only applies to that presentation.  However, you can make it easy to create a new 4:3 presentation for yourself whenever you want—by defining a custom theme that uses the 4:3 aspect ratio. See the section below named "Make a default size to start from when creating new presentations."

Choose another size, such as A3, B4, or Overhead

Select Slide Size , and then select Custom Slide Size .

In the Slide Size box, click the down arrow next to Slides sized for and select an option. Their dimensions are listed below:

Overhead provides an aspect ratio very close to the standard 4:3 slide size.

There are two options for 16:9 aspect ratios:

On-screen Show (16:9) sets the slide dimensions to 10 in x 5.625 in.

Widescreen sets it to 13.333 in x 7.5 in.

Both of these options are the same aspect ratio so they will look the same in Normal View , since PowerPoint automatically adjusts the zoom level. Widescreen (13.333 in x 7.5 in.) provides more slide surface area for the content, so that is the best choice for presentations. Widescreen won’t fit on an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper without you having to scale it down.

Select OK to accept the dimensions and close the Slide Size dialog box.

Choose custom dimensions (in inches, centimeters, or pixels)

The Slide Size dialog box opens.

In the Slide Size dialog box, ensure the orientation is set the way you want it.

In the Height and Width boxes, PowerPoint accepts measurements in inches , centimeters , or pixels . Type a number followed by a space and then the appropriate abbreviation: in , cm , or px .

PowerPoint then converts measurements, if necessary, to the type of unit your operating system uses.

You can change the unit of measure that is shown in PowerPoint dialog boxes if you like.

Make a default size to start from when creating new presentations

This version of PowerPoint has a default size of 16:9 for new presentation, but you can create a different default for yourself.

Start PowerPoint.

On the File tab of the toolbar ribbon, select New . Then double-click the Blank Presentation to create a new, empty presentation.

Then on the Design tab, click Slide Size and choose the size you want for a default.

(If you want a different default slide size than what's listed there, select Custom Slide Size and then choose your size in the Slide Size dialog box, and then click OK .)

Select Save Current Theme .

Give your theme a name that you'll remember easily and click Save . Don't change the folder that the new theme is to be saved in.

On the Design tab, click the More arrow again in the bottom-right corner of the Themes group. You'll see your newly saved theme under a Custom heading.

Right-click that new custom theme under the Custom heading, and then select Set as Default Theme :

Close PowerPoint. Don't save any files if it prompts you.

Open PowerPoint again. On the File tab of the toolbar ribbon, select New .

The custom theme that you just saved is listed at the top left corner, named Default Theme . The thumbnail image looks like a widescreen slide, but in reality, when you create a new presentation based on that theme, the presentation has the aspect ratio that you've defined for this default theme.

The next time you open PowerPoint, you'll see your default theme in the upper-left of the theme gallery. When you select it, all the slides will be the custom size you chose by default.

Sizing applies to all slides in a presentation

PowerPoint isn't able to resize one slide within a presentation. All slides in a presentation are the same size.

If this is a feature you’d like to request, please send us your feedback to help us prioritize new features in future updates. See  How do I give feedback on Microsoft 365  for more information.

Orientation applies to all slides in a presentation

PowerPoint isn't able to change the page orientation of certain slides. All slides in a presentation have the same page orientation.

Change the page orientation in PowerPoint between landscape and portrait

Use portrait and landscape slide orientation in the same presentation

Reduce the file size of a picture

On the File menu, select Page Setup .

In the Page Setup dialog box, under Slides sized for , select the predefined size you want, or choose Custom and specify the dimensions you want.

Select Slide Size .

Select Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) .

PowerPoint may prompt you about scaling your content. Choose one of the following options:

Scale: Select this option to decrease or increase the size of your slide content. When scaling to a smaller slide size, this could make your content appear smaller, but you’ll be able to see all content on your slide.

Don't Scale: Select this option to maintain the size of your slide content. Choosing this option could result in your content not fitting on the slide.

Choose Page Setup from the menu that appears.

Page Setup gives you an assortment of predefined slide/page size options. The options and their dimensions are listed below:

In the Slide Size box, click the down arrow next to Slides sized for and select an option.

Widescreen sets the dimensions to 13.333 in x 7.5 in.

Choose custom dimensions (in inches, centimers, or pixels)

Select Slide Size , and then click Page Setup .

The Page Setup dialog box opens.

In the Width and Height boxes, PowerPoint accepts measurements in inches , centimeters , or pixels . Type a number followed by a space and then the appropriate abbreviation: in (inches) or cm (centimeters) or px (pixels).

PowerPoint then converts the measurements, if necessary, to the unit of measurement your operating system uses.

Make a new slide size the default for new presentations

Select Slide Size , and then select Page Setup .

Follow the steps in the prior section to choose the slide size you want.

On the Design tab, click the More arrow below the standard themes.

Click Save Current Theme at the bottom of the window.

Give your theme a name that you'll remember easily and click Save .

On the Design tab, click the More arrow below the standard themes again. You'll see your newly saved theme under Custom .

Right-click your new custom theme, and then click Set as Default Theme .

The next time you open PowerPoint, you'll see your default theme in the upper-left of the theme gallery. When you select it, all the slides will be the size you chose for your default theme.

Some folks have asked about resizing one slide within a presentation. PowerPoint isn't able to do that. All slides in a presentation are the same size.

Some folks have also asked about changing the page orientation of certain slides. PowerPoint isn't able to do that. All slides in a presentation have the same page orientation.

On the Design tab of the toolbar ribbon, click Slide Size in the Customize group.

Click Standard (4:3) or Widescreen (16:9) .

When PowerPoint for the web is unable to automatically scale your content, it prompts you with two options:

The 16:9 widescreen setting is the default value for new presentations you create. When you change the slide size for a presentation, the size you choose only applies to that presentation. 

You can also change the orientation of all the slides in your presentation. See Change the page orientation for instructions.

Choose custom dimensions

In the Width and Height boxes, type a measurement in inches . PowerPoint doesn't accept measurements outside the minimum and maximum shown below:

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What slide size should you use?

November 19, 2014

When PowerPoint 2013 came along, the size of the default presentation changed from 4:3 to 16:9. So – what size should you use for your slides? This is a quick guide to choosing the right size – and a brief explanation of the difference between the sizes in different versions of PowerPoint.

Why is there even different sizes of slides? The 4:3 slide dimension is the historical size – it stems from the age of analog TV screens and was the standard screen size up until about 10 years ago when widescreens started to become a more common size for TVs and computer screens. The last couple of years, the two slide sizes have started to be used side by side – with different consequences.

“4:3” and “16:9” refers to the aspect ratio of the slide. But the actual size of a slide with the same aspect ratio can differ. A 4:3 slide is 33% wider than it is high. A 16:9 slide is 78% wider than it is high.

So what slide size should you use for a presentation? It really depends on what you are trying to create – and partly personal preference.

Here are some scenarios:

• Use 4:3 if your are creating multi-purpose content that is going to be shown across different platforms and to be printed as documentation
• Use 16:9 if you are creating highly visual content that is only going to be shown on a screen – for a keynote or a conference presentation.
• Use 4:3/Letter/A4 size for content that is only going to be distributed/printed as a sliduement and never really to be shown on a screen.
• Use 4:3 for content created for specific platforms that shows best in 4:3 such as Slideshare and iPads.
• Use 16:9 when creating content for specific platforms that shows best in 16:9 such YouTube and widescreens.
• Use 4:3 for content created in an environment where most current presentations and the main organizational template in use is 4:3.
• Use 16:9 for content created for an environment where the other presentations are created in 16:9.

In general, 4:3-slides works for most projectors BUT when projected on LCD screens, the slide will not fill the screen and you might have black bars on the sides of the slide or the content will stretch and be distorted. 16:9-slides works for projectors, LCD screens and widescreen projectors (most boardroom projector shows 16:9).

Regardless of what size you are using – always make sure you plan ahead and are familiar with the settings on the computer being used to project and what aspect ratio a specific projector (or webinar system if you are presenting online) can support.

The “new” 16:9 size

In PowerPoint 2013 a 16:9 slide has a different size compared to PowerPoint 2010. The standard size for a 16:9 slide changed from 10×5.63″ in PowerPoint 2010 to 13.33×7.5″ in PowerPoint 2013 (the aspect ratio is still the same – but the size changed).

What does the difference really mean for a PowerPoint user designing slides and redesigning older slide decks? If you had content on a 4:3 slide, which as been a standard for so many years, in PowerPoint 2010 and changed it to a 16:9 slide, your content had to be resized and repositioned, which is a time-consuming hassle.

In PowerPoint 2013, if you take your content from a 4:3 slide and move it to a 16:9 slide, the content will fit better on the slide, which means it is easier to change the size of your presentation (not that you want to sit and do this manually – you really want to design for the right slide size from the start – but you know – in case of a presentation emergency or when merging decks with different sizes).

If you are still working in previous versions of PowerPoint, you can still use the “new” 16:9 size. Just set the custom size for your presentation to 13.33” (width) and 7.5” (height) in Slide Size menu on the Design Tab, and voila, you are working in the future!

And – if you are creating a presentation template for your organization – plan ahead and create both a 4:3 and a 16:9 template so users can choose the appropriate one.

In sum – these are the relationships between the different PowerPoint sizes.

(image inspired by Echo Swinford of EchosVoice )

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How to Change Your PowerPoint Slide Size (16:9 vs. 4:3)

• PowerPoint Tutorials
• March 10, 2019

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to change your slide size in PowerPoint.

That way you can create slides for any situation including on-screen presentations, printed documents, posters, postcards, handouts, etc.

First off, the two most used PowerPoint slide sizes are:

• 16:9 ratio  for onscreen presentations and new overhead projectors. This is the default setting for the latest versions of PowerPoint.
• 4:3 ratio  for printing slides on standard 8.5 x 11 pieces of paper as handouts.

When starting with a blank PowerPoint presentation, changing your slide size is super easy and straightforward. If not, there are a few issues you’ll need to deal with, each covered below.

That’s why it’s worth figuring out what slide size you need BEFORE you build your presentation. If you later convert your presentation to a different size, it can be painful!

It’s just like the old carpenter saying, “measure twice and cut once.” In PowerPoint, you’ll want to “ask twice (to double confirm the required size) and build once.”

Changing your PowerPoint slide size does not make your PowerPoint presentation larger or smaller. To reduce your PowerPoint file size, you need to learn how to compress a PowerPoint presentation .

Table of Contents

How to change your powerpoint slide size.

By default, new PowerPoint presentations start in the 16:9 slide size format.

This is the NEW standard for most modern overhead projects and monitors and is recommended for most presentations. That said, you can easily change your slide size to something else.

To change your slide size in PowerPoint, simply:

• Navigate to the  Design tab
• Open the  Slide Size  drop down menu
• Select  4:3 ,  16:9  or  Custom Slide Size  (see options below)

When starting with a blank presentation, you are now good to go. You will not have to worry about any of the conversion issues discussed below.

Notice too, how much wider the 16:9 slide size is versus the 4:3 slide size in the picture below. The new size gives you more room for the content on your slides.

When you are converting an existing presentation to a new slide size, you will additionally be given the following prompt:

“You are scaling to a new slide size. Would you like to maximize the size of your content, or scale it down to ensure it will fit on the new slide?

Maximize  leaves all your content as is on your slide, even if it no longer fits on the new slide size that you selected.

Ensure Fit  scales down your content in proportion to the new slide size you have selected. You will only see this option when moving from a larger slide size to a smaller one.

Custom PowerPoint slide sizes

Choosing  Custom  for your slide size gives you additional options to work with. Inside the dialog box you can choose your size on the left and your orientation on the right.

On top of that, you can also input your own custom slide size. However, I recommend using one of the preset PowerPoint dimension options.

• On-screen show (4:3)
• Letter Paper (8.5×11 in)
• A3 Paper (297×420 mm)
• B4 (ISO) Paper (250×353 mm)
• B5 (ISO) Paper (176×250 mm)
• 35mm Slides
• On-screen Show (16:9)
• On-screen show (16:10)

For your orientation options on the right-hand side of the dialog box, you can choose between  Landscape  and  Portrait .

In most situations, you will want one of the default settings. Best practice is  Landscape  for your presentation slides and  Portrait  for your printed notes, handouts and outlines.

Issues when converting 4:3 to the 16:9 slide size in PowerPoint

When converting an existing 4:3 presentation with content into the 16:9 format, you are not given any conversion options. Instead, PowerPoint simply does the conversion for you, which can create several problems.

There are two issues you will face in the new 16:9 slide size.

The first issue is that all the images on your slide master (including company logos) will be stretched to fit the new, larger slide size.

To fix the stretched images, you will need to fix those images (or reinsert them) on your slide master, as if you were creating a PowerPoint template from scratch.

The second issue you will face in the larger 16:9 slide size is that you will have a lot of extra white space on your slides.

While you can leave the space blank, doing so will make your content look weird. Ideally you don’t want a lot of white empty space like that on your slides. Especially since all your font sizes will be so small.

That’s why if you have the time, I recommend resizing your content to fill in the white space. You can do this by either increasing the font size of your content, or adding additional visuals that support your message.

Issues when converting 16:9 to the 4:3 slide size in PowerPoint​

When converting an existing 16:9 presentation to the 4:3 slide size, you are given the option to either  Maximize  or  Ensure Fit  (both covered below).

1. The Maximize option

This option means that the content on your slides will not be resized to fit the 4:3 slide size. The same is true if you move to any smaller slide size.

Maximize Issue #1:  All the images on your slide master (including your company logo) will be distorted.

You might also have issues with other content placeholders, slide backgrounds or anything else that was built on your slide master.  For these issues, you’ll first need to navigate to your Slide Master. Once you are there, you either adjust (or rebuild) your PowerPoint template so that everything fits properly.

Maximize Issue #2:  Your content will not be scaled down to the smaller slide size. Instead, you’ll have overhanging content as pictured above.

For these kinds of spacing issues, you will need to work through your slides to adjust your content.

One recommendation as you move from the larger 16:9 slide size to 4:3, is to break up your slides. Take the contents from one larger slide and break it into two (or even three) separate slides.

Breaking up your content is preferable to just cramming more content on the smaller slide space. Doing so will make your content easier to read when presented on an overhead projector.

2. The Ensure Fit option

This option means that PowerPoint will scale down your content to fit the smaller slide size based on the size you selected.

Ensure Fit Issue #1:  Distorted images, slide backgrounds and anything else that PowerPoint had to automatically resize on your slide master.

To fix these issues, you’ll need to navigate to your slide master and adjust (or rebuild) your template to make everything fit.

Ensure Fit Issue #2:  Your content will be scaled down to fit your new slide size, leaving you with a lot of white space. In addition, all your font sizes will be smaller, making them hard to read.

For small content like this, you’ll need to work through your slides and resize your content accordingly. Keep in mind the people at the back of the room too when choosing a new font style and size.

Saving your custom slide size as a PowerPoint theme

If want to use your own custom slide size for all your future PowerPoint presentations, you can save and set it as a PowerPoint theme.

This is a two-step process as discussed below.

1. Save your custom slide size as a theme

To save your custom slide size (and settings) as your own custom PowerPoint theme, simply:

• Open the M ore options
• Click  Save Current Theme
• Name your Theme (and don’t change the file location it saves to)
• Click  Save

2. Set your custom theme as the default

To set a custom PowerPoint theme as the default for all your future presentations, simply:

• Open the  More options
• Right-click  your custom theme
• Select  Set as Default Presentation
• Close out of PowerPoint (and do not save any presentations if it prompts you)

Once you’ve set your own custom theme as the Default Presentation, it will open every time you start PowerPoint. This saves you from always having to switch your slide sizes.

So that’s how you can change your PowerPoint slide size, either before or after you create your presentation.

And although you are given a lot of flexibility in the slide sizes you can choose from, I recommend using the default slide sizes as used by most people.

It’s also important to remember that switching slide sizes after you have built your presentation can be a total pain. So, to the extent possible, figure out your PowerPoint slide size first before you build out your presentation.

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What PowerPoint Slide Size to Use?

Since the adoption of the widescreen format for our audio-video equipment, what is the PowerPoint slide size to use?

When PowerPoint 2013 was introduced, the default aspect ratio for slides was changed from 4:3 to 16:9. The aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of width to height. This is in line with most modern equipment such as projectors and televisions that have adopted the 16:9 widescreen format.

So, what PowerPoint slide size to use? Should we shift accordingly to the widescreen format? What are the differences between the two formats and the critical issues we need to know?

The following article will provide a brief explanation of the differences in using the 4:3 and 16:9 format. We will also provide a guide on which PowerPoint slide size to use in our presentation.

The 4:3 slide dimension was the standard in the past era of analogue TV screens. But they have since been replaced by the widescreen adopted by most projection equipment. These include television, computer screen, LCD monitors, etc. As both formats are still being used, we must be aware of the compatibility issues and know how to rectify them.

The slide dimension of 4:3 and 16:9 refer to the aspect ratio of the slide rather than its actual size. A 4:3 slide is 33% wider than it height while a 16:9 slide is 78% wider than its height.

What is the Preferred PowerPoint Slide Size to Use?

Many people are unsure what is the preferred PowerPoint slide size to use. Unfortunately, the answer could either be a straightforward or difficult one, depending on the information we have. Obviously, we should design our presentation according to the following:

• Use 4:3 in an environment where previous presentations and the current equipment used are in the 4:3 format.
• Use 16:9 in an environment where the presentations and equipment have been upgraded to the 16:9 format.

This seems like a no-brainer, isn’t it? But, what if the organizer cannot provide you with the specification of the projector and screen size? Such a situation is not uncommon, especially if you are doing presentations at client sites or at their hired venues.

Although many facilities have switched to the latest 16:9 widescreen standard, we are in a period of transition. The previous 4:3 aspect ratio is still commonly in use in many facilities. So, do not be surprised to find yourself in an organization that still uses equipment in both the 4:3 and 16:9 format. If unlucky, you may end up in a presentation room where the projector’s format differs from the one you designed your PowerPoint slides on. Given such an uncertainty, what should we do?

In general, the 4:3-aspect ratio works for most projectors. BUT when projected on a widescreen, the slide will not fill up the entire screen. Black bars will appear on both sides of the slide. Although this is not ideal, the slide will still retain its full height and the text will not be shrunk.

When a 16:9 slide is shown on a projector in 4:3 aspect ratio, black bars will appear on the top and bottom of the slide. What this means is that it will not fill the entire height of the screen. This has the effect of compressing the text and make it smaller than planned.

In general, 4:3 slides work for most projectors despite it not filling up the entire screen. Although we can easily convert our 4:3 slides to 16:9, they will become stretched and distorted. But this is preferable to having a 16:9 slide on a 4:3 projector where the text will be compressed. This renders them less readable. Although this problem can be rectified, it is time consuming.

As far as possible, find out the equipment specification in your presentation venue. This will save you a lot of headache later on. If your are unable to, and until such a time when equipment using the previous standard have been phased out, it may be a good idea to stick to the 4:3 format. Of course, if you have the time, design your presentation in both the 4:3 and 16:9 format to be absolutely safe. Never underestimate the importance of an effective PowerPoint design as it can impact how information or knowledge will be delivered.

If you are caught in a situation where you need to change the slide format, our article “ How to Change PowerPoint Aspect Ratio ” will explain how this can be done. But, before you start creating your presentation, you may want to check out our Effective Presentation Design , Education PowerPoint Design , and Eight Common PowerPoint Mistakes to learn the key elements that contribute to a good PowerPoint presentation.

You may also wish to download our free PowerPoint diagrams to help enhance your slides design. Or, you can get some inspiration from our PowerPoint Design Ideas For Your Next Presentation .

However, if you require professional PowerPoint presentation services , please feel free to contact us . We offer three design options  to cater to various needs and budgets.

At PowerPoint Creatives Singapore, we provide affordable and creative presentation services incorporating 3D effects and animation that will help bring your presentation to the next level. Find out more about our PowerPoint design process .

In addition, we provide infographic and cinemagraph design services  to add further jazz to your PowerPoint presentation. Or if you require  cost-effective videos to promote your products or services, either online or offline, please get in touch with us.

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• PowerPoint Slide Size

PowerPoint Slide Size report

The most common PowerPoint slide ratios are "4:3" and "16:9". In previous versions of PowerPoint, the slide size was 4:3, widescreen, and high-definition formats have been adapted for TV and video. The default slide size in new versions of PowerPoint is widescreen (16:9). And the PowerPoint slide size can be changed by the following method.

The PowerPoint slide size also needs to be adjusted to cover the entire screen for different monitors and devices. You can often see some special proportions of slides at the press conference. In this case, [Custom Slide Size] is used. The following post will explain different PowerPoint Slide sizes and change them.

PowerPoint Slide Size Guide

Whether you are preparing your presentation for a class or your work, you should adapt it to the device which will be used for projecting it. Some devices or even laptops can have different sizes, so you will need to change the dimensions of your presentation. To change the size of your presentation slides, on the Design tab, in the Customize group, click the Slide Size button and then choose one of the pre-defined sizes.

Common PowerPoint Slide Sizes

• Standard (4:3) was the default slide size in older versions of Microsoft PowerPoint, like 2003 or 2007. Standard (4:3) slides have a size of 10 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 19.05 cm.
• Widescreen (16:9) is the default slide size in Microsoft PowerPoint 2013, 2016, and 365. Widescreen (16:9) slides have a size of 13.33 x 7.5 inches or 33.867 x 19.05 cm.

4:3 is best viewed on a standard computer screen, while the 16:9 is best viewed on a widescreen computer screen or TV. Using the proper dimensions ensures the presentation is scaled suitably not to appear warped. Widescreen is the default in most versions of PowerPoint.

Custom PowerPoint Slide Size

Using a custom PowerPoint slide size is possible if the default 4:3 or 16:9 options are unsuitable. You might choose to use a custom slide size if you are printing full-size PowerPoint slides using a custom page layout, for instance. To do this, select Design > Slide Size > Custom Slide Size to display the "Slide Size" options menu.

• From the Slides sized for the drop-down list, you can choose pre-defined popular sizes, such as Letter Paper (8.5 x11 in), Ledger Paper (11 x 17 in), A3 Paper (297 x 420 mm), etc.
• Enter the custom sizes in the Width and Height fields.
• Choose the slide orientation in the Orientation group.

You can run your slideshow on a computer screen, a television screen, or a projector. It is best to know your display device upfront. It would be best to change your slide dimensions before designing your slides before adding shapes and images to slides. Changing the dimensions afterward is possible, but it can ruin your slide design. If pictures are distorted, you will need to manually resize each image or delete them and insert them again.

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PowerPoint Slide Dimensions: A Guide to Strategic Presentations

Welcome to the world of strategic presentations, where the dimensions of your PowerPoint slides play a pivotal role in conveying your message effectively. In a digital era dominated by visual communication, understanding the right slide dimensions can make or break your presentation. Did you know that the default slide size in PowerPoint is 16:9, reflecting the widescreen aspect ratio widely used in modern displays? 

In this guide, we'll explain not only the technicalities of slide dimensions but also how changing slide size in PowerPoint can enhance your overall communication strategy. So, let's learn about the dimensions that make a difference in the world of compelling presentations.

Mastering Slide Size in PowerPoint

In PowerPoint, the slide size refers to the dimensions of individual slides, dictating the layout and aspect ratio of your presentation. The two primary options are ‘Standard’ (4:3) and ‘Widescreen’ (16:9). The standard size is more conventional, resembling older TV screens, while widescreen is the contemporary choice, aligning with modern display standards.

The aspect ratio, expressed as a ratio of width to height, defines the spatial relationship of your slides. For instance, a widescreen presentation with an aspect ratio of 16:9 implies that the width is 16 units for every 9 units of height.

Customizing slide sizes can be crucial for adapting your presentation to different devices or specific preferences. Whether you need to cater to traditional projectors or widescreen monitors, understanding and adjusting slide size ensures that your content is visually optimized for your audience's viewing experience. To modify slide size, you can navigate to the ‘Design’ tab, select ‘Slide Size,’ and choose either ‘Standard’ or ‘Widescreen,’ or opt for a custom size to meet specific requirements.

How to Find Slide Dimensions in PowerPoint

Determining the dimensions of your PowerPoint slides is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to find the slide dimensions in PowerPoint:

1. Open Your PowerPoint Presentation:

• Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation for which you want to check the slide dimensions.

2. Navigate to the ‘Design’ Tab:

• Locate and click on the ‘Design’ tab in the top menu. This tab is usually found at the top of the PowerPoint interface.

3. Click on ‘Slide Size’:

• Within the ‘Design’ tab, look for the ‘Slide Size’ option. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.

4. View Current Slide Size:

• In the dropdown menu, you may see options like ‘Standard (4:3)’ or ‘Widescreen (16:9),’ indicating the current slide size. If you've customized the size, it might show ‘Custom Size.’

5. Check Dimensions in Custom Slide Size Dialog (Optional):

• If you want precise details, including pixel dimensions, click on ‘Custom Slide Size’ in the dropdown menu. This will open a dialog box where you can view and verify the current dimensions in pixels.

6. Note the Width and Height:

• In the ‘Custom Slide Size’ dialog box, you'll see the current width and height in inches or centimeters. If you need pixel dimensions, you can convert these values.

How to Change Dimensions of PowerPoint Slide

Changing the dimensions is a straightforward process, allowing you to tailor your presentation to different devices or preferences. Follow these steps from our PowerPoint presentation writing service to adjust the slide size:

• Launch PowerPoint and open the presentation you want to customize.
• In the top menu, locate and click on the ‘Design’ tab.
• Within the ‘Design’ tab, find the ‘Slide Size’ option. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu.

4. Choose ‘Custom Slide Size’:

• In the dropdown menu, select ‘Custom Slide Size’ to access the customization options.

5. Enter Desired Dimensions:

• A dialog box will appear. Here, you can manually input the width and height in pixels. Enter the desired dimensions for your slides.

6. Confirm Changes:

• Once you've entered the new dimensions, click ‘OK’ to confirm and apply the changes.

7. Review and Adjust Content:

• After changing the slide dimensions, review your presentation to ensure that text, images, and other content adapt appropriately to the new size. Make any necessary adjustments to maintain visual integrity.

Adapting Slide Size to Fit Any Device or Screen

When you attempt to change PPT slide size for different devices, thoughtful customization is key. Consider your audience and the devices they use, and follow these steps to ensure your slides are optimized:

• Identify the devices your audience commonly uses for presentations.
• Standardize your slides to the widescreen format (1920x1080 pixels) for compatibility with modern monitors and projectors.
• For older projectors or devices with a 4:3 aspect ratio, customize your slide size to 1440x1080 pixels.
• Tailor slide size further for specific devices, like 1080x1920 pixels, for mobile-friendly vertical orientation.
• Navigate to the ‘Design’ tab, click ‘Slide Size,’ choose ‘Custom Slide Size,’ and enter the desired dimensions in pixels.
• Ensure optimal visual performance by previewing your presentation on different devices and addressing any readability or layout issues.
• Maintain high-resolution images for clarity and adjust content placement to prevent distortion or cropping on diverse screens.

What Are the Dimensions of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels

Determining the dimensions of your PPT size in pixels is crucial for achieving a visually balanced and professional presentation. The standard dimensions for a PowerPoint slide are 16:9, which translates to a widescreen format. The specific pixel dimensions for a standard 16:9 slide are 1920 pixels in width by 1080 pixels in height.

To set the dimensions of your PowerPoint slides to 16:9 in pixels, follow these steps:

• Open your PowerPoint presentation.
• Navigate to the ‘Design’ tab.
• Click on ‘Slide Size’ in the ‘Customize’ group.
• Select ‘Widescreen (16:9)’ from the dropdown menu.

By choosing the 16:9 widescreen format, you ensure compatibility with modern display screens and projectors, providing a visually optimized experience for your audience. However, it's essential to consider the specifics of your presentation needs. If your presentation demands a different aspect ratio or sizing, you can examine other options in the ‘Slide Size’ settings to tailor the dimensions according to your requirements. Always bear in mind the potential impact on visuals, including text and images, when adjusting slide dimensions.

Potential Pitfalls of Selecting the Wrong Slide Size in PowerPoint

Incorrectly choosing the PowerPoint Slide Dimensions can lead to several challenges that affect the overall quality and impact of your presentation. Here are some potential issues associated with slide size selection and ways to resolve them:

Scaling Problems with Content:

• Issue: Content appears either too small or too large on the slides.
• Solution: Adjust the slide size to ensure that your content is appropriately scaled, finding a balance between visibility and clarity.

Cropping or Distortion Concerns:

• Issue: Content gets cropped or distorted when adjusting slide size.
• Solution: Choose the ‘Maximize’ or ‘Ensure fit’ option while modifying slide size to prevent unintended cropping or distortion of visuals and text.

Pixelation in Text or Images:

• Issue: Text or images show pixelation on the slides.
• Solution: Confirm that your images and text maintain high resolution, and adjust the slide size accordingly to accommodate the resolution of your media elements.

Challenges with Screen Fit:

• Issue: Slides don't fit the screen properly during presentations.
• Solution: Utilize the ‘Scale to Fit’ option in the ‘Slide Show’ tab to adapt the presentation size to the screen, ensuring a seamless and visually optimal display.

5 Helpful Tips for Optimizing PowerPoint Presentation Size

Storyboarding Efficiency

Think of storyboarding as the blueprint for your presentation. A well-organized storyboard ensures a logical flow of information and sets the stage for a more streamlined and impactful presentation. Ask yourself: Is the content logically arranged? Are there redundant slides that can be merged without sacrificing clarity? Changing slide size in PowerPoint is a crucial aspect to consider during this process.

Efficient storyboarding helps identify unnecessary elements, reducing file size. Visualize your narrative and consider alternatives, such as creating image collages to replace multiple individual images. Additionally, it aids in eliminating duplicate content, refining your message, and preventing unnecessary data that contributes to larger file sizes.

Interactive Elements Consideration

Strategically incorporating interactive elements ensures a dynamic and engaging presentation without compromising on file optimization. By carefully evaluating the necessity and impact of each interactive component, you strike a balance that keeps your presentation both captivating and efficient in terms of size.

Ask yourself: Are interactive elements essential for conveying the message, or could the same information be presented in a more straightforward manner? For instance, instead of embedding large video files, consider using hyperlinks to external sources. This not only maintains engagement but also prevents unnecessary bloating of the presentation file.

Additionally, be mindful of the types of interactive features you choose. While animations and transitions can enhance visual appeal, an excess of these elements can contribute to larger file sizes. Opt for subtle and purposeful animations that complement your content without overwhelming the presentation.

Brand Aesthetics

Aligning your PowerPoint presentation with your brand's visual identity not only reinforces brand recognition but also plays a role in optimizing file size. Consistency in color schemes, fonts, and overall aesthetics contributes to a more polished and professional look.

Consider the following: Does your presentation adhere to the color palette and fonts specified in your brand guidelines? Using consistent design elements not only enhances the visual appeal but also minimizes the need for additional, potentially large, graphic assets. Utilizing the same set of fonts and colors throughout your presentation creates a cohesive visual experience while helping to control file size.

Moreover, sparingly incorporating your brand's logo and other visual assets can contribute to a sense of familiarity for your audience. However, be cautious not to overuse high-resolution images or logos excessively, as this can lead to unnecessary increases in file size.

Printed Handouts Preparation

While crafting a compelling on-screen presentation is essential, it's equally important to prepare printed handouts efficiently. This step not only caters to diverse audience preferences but also impacts the file size of your presentation.

What information is vital for the audience to have in handouts, and what can be omitted to keep the file size manageable? Prioritize key content, such as bullet points, visuals, and essential details that complement your spoken presentation. Avoid including excessive graphics or unnecessary elements that might be more suitable for on-screen viewing.

Furthermore, provide a clear call to action on your handouts, guiding the audience on how to access additional resources online if needed. This can help reduce the need to overload the handouts with extensive information, maintaining a balance between comprehensive content and a manageable file size.

Multimedia Integration

Integrating multimedia elements, such as images, videos, and audio, can enhance the richness of your presentation but requires careful consideration to maintain an optimal file size.

Are the multimedia elements essential for conveying key points, or do they risk overshadowing the core message? Prioritize impactful visuals and multimedia that directly contribute to the narrative. Compress images and videos where possible without compromising quality, as high-resolution files can significantly inflate your PPT slide size.

Consider using online platforms for hosting larger media files, linking to them in your presentation instead of embedding them. This approach not only prevents your PowerPoint file from becoming unwieldy but also ensures smoother presentation transitions, especially when sharing the file with others.

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How to Adjust Slide Size in PowerPoint: A Quick & Easy Guide

by Enterprise DNA Experts | PowerPoint

Ever started making a presentation in PowerPoint, only to realize that the slides are too small, or too big?

It’s happened to the best of us.

The good news is, adjusting the slide size in PowerPoint is a simple process that can help you avoid this problem and create presentations that look just right.

To adjust the slide size in PowerPoint, click on the “Design” tab, and then “Slide Size.” You can choose from two standard slide sizes, either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9).” Additionally, you can also choose a custom slide size by entering the dimensions manually.

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of adjusting the slide size in your presentation.

You’ll also learn about the various options available for slide size, and why it’s important to choose the right one for your presentation.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is Slide Size in PowerPoint?

Slide size in PowerPoint refers to the dimensions of a single slide in a presentation. It determines the width and height of the slide and can be customized to fit different screen aspect ratios and output formats.

Aspect Ratio: This is the proportional relationship between the width and height of a slide. The two most common aspect ratios for slides are 4:3 (standard) and 16:9 (widescreen).

Remember, the aspect ratio you choose will depend on the intended display or output format of your presentation.

Output Format: The slide size can be adjusted based on the output format you plan to use. For example, if you’re creating a presentation for a standard projector, you might choose a 4:3 aspect ratio.

On the other hand, if your presentation will be displayed on a widescreen TV or uploaded to an online platform, a 16:9 aspect ratio is typically recommended.

By customizing the slide size, you can ensure that your actual presentation looks its best on various devices and platforms.

2 Ways How to Adjust the Slide Size in PowerPoint

There are two ways to adjust the slide size in your presentation: using the default settings or customizing the size to meet your specific needs.

1. How to Adjust Slide Size Using the Default Settings

If you are using PowerPoint 2013 or later, you can adjust the slide size using the default settings.

Here’s how to do it:

Open your PowerPoint presentation.

Click on the “Design” tab in the Ribbon menu.

In the “Customize” group, click “Slide Size.”

Choose either “Standard (4:3)” or “Widescreen (16:9)” from the drop-down menu.

PowerPoint will adjust the slide size according to your selection.

Note: In PowerPoint 2010 and earlier versions, the “Design” tab is called the “Page Layout” tab. The steps are the same.

Now that you’ve learned how to adjust the slide size using the default settings, let’s move on to customizing the size to fit your specific needs .

2. How to Adjust Slide Size by Customizing It

If you have specific slide dimensions in mind for your presentation slides, you can easily customize the slide size in your presentation.

Follow these steps:

Open your presentation.

In the “Customize” group, click “Slide Size” and then select “Custom Slide Size” or “Page Setup”.

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, you can choose from a list of pre-defined slide sizes, including “On-screen Show,” “Letter Paper,” “A4 Paper,” and more. Alternatively, you can enter custom width and height values in the “Width” and “Height” boxes.

Click “OK” to apply your custom size.

Now that you’ve learned how to adjust the slide size in your presentation, let’s take a look at the different options available for slide size.

Options for Slide Size in PowerPoint

When you’re creating a presentation in PowerPoint, you have a few different options for the slide size . You can choose between the standard size (4:3) and the widescreen size (16:9).

Let’s take a closer look at these options and when you might want to use each one.

1. Standard Size (4:3)

The standard size in PowerPoint is a 4:3 aspect ratio. This means that for every 4 units of width, there are 3 units of height. It’s the traditional size for older television screens and projectors.

The 4:3 aspect ratio provides a more square-shaped slide orientation, which can be beneficial for certain types of content, such as:

Printed handouts

Vertical designs

Content intended for older display systems

Certain templates and design layouts

2. Widescreen Size (16:9)

The widescreen slide size in PowerPoint is a 16:9 aspect ratio. This means that for every 16 units of width, there are 9 units of height. It’s the standard size for most modern high-definition displays, including computer monitors, TVs, and projectors.

The 16:9 aspect ratio provides a more rectangular-shaped slide orientation, which can be beneficial for certain types of content, such as:

Video content

Web-based presentations

Screen sharing

Detailed images

Presentations that need to be compatible with a wide range of devices

Now that you’ve learned about the two main options for slide size for your presentation, let’s discuss why it’s important to choose the right one for your presentation.

Why Choose the Right Slide Size in PowerPoint?

Choosing the right slide size is crucial for creating an effective and professional-looking presentation. The size of your slides not only affects the layout and design but also influences how your content is displayed on different screens and devices.

Here are some key reasons why you should carefully consider your slide sizes:

Optimized content layout: The size of your slides will determine how much content can be displayed at once. A larger slide size, such as widescreen (16:9), allows for more space to work with, enabling you to create visually appealing and uncluttered layouts.

Consistency across devices: By selecting one slide size, you can ensure that your presentation will look consistent and well-proportioned when viewed on various devices , including laptops, projectors, and large displays.

Enhanced readability: Larger slides provide more room for text and images, making it easier for your audience to read and understand your content, even from a distance.

Professional appearance: A carefully chosen slide size demonstrates attention to detail and a commitment to delivering a high-quality presentation. It can also help you stand out as a professional and competent presenter.

Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right slide size for your presentation, let’s review the steps you can take to adjust it in your own PowerPoint presentations.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to adjust the slide size in PowerPoint can significantly enhance the quality of your presentations. By understanding the various options available and making the right choice, you can ensure that your content is well-organized, visually appealing, and consistent across different devices and screens.

So, whether you need a standard 4:3 aspect ratio or a widescreen 16:9 format, PowerPoint makes it easy to customize the slide size to meet your specific needs.

Furthermore, this flexibility allows you to create professional and polished presentations that leave a lasting impression on your audience.

So, the next time you start working on a presentation, remember the importance of slide size and use the knowledge you’ve gained here to make the right choice. Happy presenting!

If you want to learn more about using Powerpoint to enhance the visuals of your data analysis, check out our video below:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i change the slide size in my powerpoint presentation to a4.

To change the slide size to A4, follow these steps:

In the “Customize” group, click “Slide Size” and then “Custom Slide Size.”

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, select “A4 Paper” from the “Slides sized for” dropdown menu.

Click “OK” to apply the A4 slide size.

What is the standard slide size in PowerPoint?

The standard slide size in your presentation is 10 inches by 7.5 inches, which is a 4:3 aspect ratio. However, with newer versions of PowerPoint, the default slide size is 13.333 inches by 7.5 inches, also a 4:3 aspect ratio.

How do I set custom dimensions for my PowerPoint slides?

To set custom slide dimensions for your PowerPoint slides, follow these steps:

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, enter your desired width and height in the “Width” and “Height” boxes.

Click “OK” to apply the custom slide size.

Repeat steps 1-4 for all the slides or selected slides only. You can then proceed to number slides or otherwise improve your slides.

What is the widescreen size in PowerPoint?

The widescreen size in PowerPoint is a 16:9 aspect ratio. This translates to a slide size of 13.333 inches by 7.5 inches in PowerPoint 2013 and later versions, and 10 inches by 5.625 inches in PowerPoint 2010 and earlier versions.

How do I change the slide size in PowerPoint to 16:9?

To change the slide size in your presentation to 16:9, follow these steps:

In the “Customize” group, click “Slide Size” and then “Widescreen (16:9).”

How do I adjust the aspect ratio of PowerPoint slides?

To adjust the aspect ratio of PowerPoint slides, follow these steps:

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, select your desired aspect ratio from the “Slides sized for” dropdown menu.

Click “OK” to apply the new aspect ratio.

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Home Blog Google Slides Tutorials Google Slides Dimensions: What Size is Google Slides and How to Change Slide Size?

Google Slides Dimensions: What Size is Google Slides and How to Change Slide Size?

Slide dimensions can play an important role when displaying information on large screens or according to the type of content on the slide. A large screen would require a widescreen orientation, and you might even need to customize it to fit the screen size. Similarly, some infographics and illustrations require making necessary adjustments to slide orientation to display the content during the presentation correctly. Like PowerPoint, you can also change slide dimensions in Google Slides.

How to Change Slide Size in Google Slides

Google Slides allow setting different slide dimensions according to user needs, including a Standard, Widescreen, or Custom size. To change Google Slide dimensions, go to File > Page Setup .

You can adjust the Google Slides page size from the pop-up menu displayed via Page Setup. The available options include switching to Standard 4:3, Widescreen 16:9, Widescreen 16:10, and a custom slide size. Select the desired slide size and click Apply .

What Size is Google Slides?

If you’re wondering what Google Slides size is right for you, pick a Google Slides resolution that best goes with your screen type. If it’s an old monitor or small screen, you might want to use a Standard orientation, whereas modern monitors or projectors often suit the Widescreen orientation. 

Standard Orientation (4:3)

The Standard 4:3 slide orientation displays content in a smaller size compared to widescreen orientations. This orientation was commonly used in legacy versions of PowerPoint and Google Slides, as projectors and screen monitors did not offer the utility to project a widescreen slide correctly. However, this orientation is still used for smaller slides and screens. Where the slide content might be smaller and better suited to a Standard slide size. This might include pictures, illustrations, tables, and other types of slide content that might appear too stretched on a widescreen slide orientation.

Widescreen (16:9)

The 16:9 widescreen resolution is quite commonly used, and might even be considered the standard size for modern presentations. This is because 16:9 was the replacement for the 4:3 aspect ratio post-2008, as screen sizes and display standards evolved for monitors, projectors, and television channels globally.

Widescreen (16:10)

While 16:10 is not as widely used as 16:9; it is commonly used in tablets and computer monitors. The ratio is closer to the Golden Ratio of 1.618, but the higher manufacturing cost of devices has meant that manufacturers mainly stick to 16:9 for electronic devices.

Custom Orientation

Google Slides also provides a Custom orientation option, where you can also choose to pick the slide size in inches, centimeters, points, or pixels. This option can be useful if you intend to edit the slide orientation according to a specific document, picture, infographic, etc. For example, you can switch to 8.5 x 11 inches for Letter orientation or 8.27 inches for A4 size. Similarly, you can make changes in pixels, points, or centimeters.

When considering how to edit slide size on Google Slides according to your display monitor or presentation requirements, you might want to run a mock presentation with a colleague. If it’s a remote meeting, the slide size would automatically adjust due to the responsive UIs of various devices. However, one orientation or another might appear more convenient for your audience based on your presentation needs. For example, suppose your remote meeting participants are mainly using mobile devices. In that case, you might want to test out a lower resolution, compared to when you are presenting before an audience using a widescreen monitor.

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Determining the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels: A Guide

Have you ever wondered what the size of your PowerPoint slide is in pixels? It’s actually pretty simple to figure out, and you can do it with just a few clicks. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps so you can determine the pixel dimensions of your presentation slides.

Step by Step Tutorial: Determining the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels

Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand why this is important. Knowing the pixel size of your slides can help you design better presentations that look great on any screen. Plus, if you’re creating content for the web or digital platforms, pixel dimensions are crucial for ensuring your work displays correctly.

Step 1: Open PowerPoint and go to the ‘Design’ tab

Click on the ‘Design’ tab located at the top of the PowerPoint window.

When you’re working on your PowerPoint presentation, the Design tab is where you’ll find all the options for customizing the look and feel of your slides. It’s the gateway to adjusting the size of your slides.

Step 2: Click on ‘Slide Size’

Look for the ‘Slide Size’ button on the right-hand side of the toolbar and click on it.

The ‘Slide Size’ button gives you access to various options for adjusting the size of your PowerPoint slides, including the ability to see and change the pixel dimensions.

Step 3: Select ‘Custom Slide Size’

In the drop-down menu that appears, select ‘Custom Slide Size’ to open the Slide Size dialog box.

The ‘Custom Slide Size’ option allows you to specify the exact dimensions for your slides, including width and height, in various units of measurement including pixels.

Step 4: Check the pixel dimensions

In the Slide Size dialog box, look for the width and height measurements in pixels.

The Slide Size dialog box will show the current size of your slides. If it’s set to a different unit of measurement, you can easily switch to pixels.

Step 5: Adjust the slide size if necessary

If you need to adjust the size of your slides, enter the desired dimensions in pixels and click ‘OK’.

You can customize the size of your PowerPoint slides to fit specific requirements or to ensure that your presentation looks its best on different devices or resolutions.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll have successfully determined the pixel size of your PowerPoint slides. This information can be incredibly useful for graphic design purposes, ensuring that your presentation looks sharp and professional on any screen.

Tips for Determining the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels

• Always make sure you’re working with the latest version of PowerPoint for the most accurate size adjustments.
• If your presentation will be displayed on a large screen, aim for higher pixel dimensions to maintain image quality.
• Remember that changing the slide size can affect the layout of your content, so double-check your presentation after resizing.
• Consider the aspect ratio when customizing slide size; common ratios include 4:3 for standard screens and 16:9 for widescreens.
• Use pixel dimensions that match common screen resolutions to ensure your presentation looks great on most devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default size of a powerpoint slide in pixels.

The default size of a PowerPoint slide is 960 pixels wide by 540 pixels high for a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio.

Can I change the pixel dimensions for all slides in my presentation at once?

Yes, when you adjust the slide size, the changes will apply to all slides in your presentation.

Will changing the slide size affect the quality of my images?

If you increase the slide size, you may need to use higher resolution images to maintain quality.

What should I do if the content on my slides gets distorted after resizing?

You may need to manually adjust the content on your slides to fit the new dimensions.

How do I know what pixel dimensions to use for my presentation?

Consider the device or screen where your presentation will be displayed and use dimensions that match its resolution.

• Open PowerPoint and go to the ‘Design’ tab
• Click on ‘Slide Size’
• Select ‘Custom Slide Size’
• Check the pixel dimensions
• Adjust the slide size if necessary

Determining the size of a PowerPoint slide in pixels is a piece of cake once you know where to look. Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or new to the game, understanding the pixel dimensions of your slides can make a world of difference in how your presentation is perceived. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your slides are perfectly tailored to any screen size, making your message resonate with clarity and impact. Plus, with a few extra tips up your sleeve, you can easily navigate through any presentation design challenges that come your way. Remember, the devil is in the details, and in this digital age, knowing your pixels from your points can truly set you apart. So, go ahead, give it a try and watch your presentations transform from good to great!

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.

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Best PowerPoint Aspect Ratio for Zoom: Standard or Widescreen?

By: Author Shrot Katewa

Given that online meetings have been thrust upon us due to the pandemic, using applications like Zoom has become quite a norm. But, that makes many of us wonder how that has affected the way we give presentations, especially on a Zoom call? For instance, one common question that people often wonder is what aspect ratio should be used for a PowerPoint presentation for a Zoom call!

The best slide size for your PowerPoint while giving a presentation on Zoom is 16:9 or a widescreen layout. The Zoom application is designed to display content in the widescreen layout by default. Therefore, using a 4:3 standard layout will result in blank space on both sides of your slides!

For many of you, this answer may not come as a surprise! Nevertheless, in this article, I’ll answer some of the common questions that you may have regarding the aspect ratio of the slides in PowerPoint for a zoom call. Plus, I will also share with you how you can convert the aspect ratio of your existing presentation to 16 by 9 or a widescreen format!

So, without further delay, let’s get started!

What is the Best PowerPoint Size for Zoom?

The two most popular PowerPoint formats are Standard size and Widescreen size.

In general, the Zoom videoconferencing application displays in widescreen mode with an aspect ratio of 16:9. However, do keep in mind that when we share a presentation through Zoom the preferred PowerPoint size depends on the dimensions of the display or the output screen.

Remember! Do consider the resolution of the screen display that acts as an output for your presentation. If the output screen is 4:3, you would be better off creating a presentation in the standard mode.

Zoom can run on various devices such as computers, laptops, iPad, tablets, or mobiles, all of which have a widescreen display. To add, for modern projectors such as boardroom projectors, LCD screens or large format tend to display an aspect ratio of 16:9 or the widescreen layout.

Thus, the recommended PowerPoint size for Zoom is a 16:9 or Widescreen layout .

However, the selection of the PowerPoint size depends on various factors such as the content of the presentation, personal preference, or even the display screen dimensions.

Mentioned below are a few examples in which Standard Size is preferred.

• A PowerPoint that is to be presented across different platforms ranging from a meeting room to an auditorium.
• A presentation prepared for a specific platform that requires an aspect ratio of 4:3, such as Slideshare.

On the other side, below are a few examples in which Widescreen Size is preferred.

• A PowerPoint that has been made to be viewed on a widescreen display such as a laptop, LED TV, etc.
• A presentation prepared for a specific platform that requires an aspect ratio of 16:9, such as YouTube.

What is the Difference between Standard and Widescreen Size in PowerPoint?

In PowerPoint presentation, Standard Size refers to a slide size wherein the length and breadth of the slide are in the ratio of 4:3. Commonly, this ratio is called the aspect ratio of a presentation. In other words, length of the slide is 1.33 times the breadth, irrespective of the units of measurement.

In case of a Widescreen size, the aspect ratio of length and breadth of the slide is 16:9. To reframe, the length of the slide is 177.78% of the breadth.  

• When one looks at a standard size slide it appears almost a square. On the other hand, view of a Widescreen size slide is almost a rectangle.
• Standard is the default slide size for power point prepared in Windows 2003 or higher versions. Whereas in Windows 2013 or higher versions, Widescreen is the default slide size for power point.
• Standard Size is preferred when presentation is to be made in smaller spaces such as a meeting room. Compared with this, Widescreen is more compatible with larger spaces such as a convention hall.
• The aspect ratio of Standard size fits well with the screen size of tablets, old monitors or projectors. As against it, Widescreen size fits well with laptops, modern projectors or monitors that usually have a wide screen display.

How to Save PowerPoint as 16 by 9 Size?

A PowerPoint presentation is generally either prepared with Windows or Mac. As both the software run on a distinct operating system, steps to save a PowerPoint presentation in either software are slightly different.

Furthermore, as PowerPoint has evolved as a software, the steps in the older version are also different from the modern day PowerPoint application.

Saving a PowerPoint in Widescreen format (2003 – 2010)

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to save a PowerPoint presentation in a widescreen format in Office 2003 to Office 2010 versions.

• Click on the “ Design ” tab in the Quick Access toolbar. A ribbon appears.
• Click and select “ Page set up ” on the extreme left of the ribbon. A dialog box will pop up.
• In the dialog box under the option for “Slides sized for”, click on dropdown. The dropdown list contains a number of pre-defined sizes.
• Click and select the option “ On-Screen show (16:9) “. Do not change other dimensions reflecting in the dialog box.
• Click on “ OK ” in the right corner of the dialog box.
• Click on the Office button and select Save
• Click on save icon (next to office button).
• Press Ctrl + S simultaneously on keyboard.

Saving PowerPoint in Widescreen Format (2013 and Higher Versions)

If you are using Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019 or even Office 365, you need to follow the below mentioned steps –

• Go to “ Slide Size ” on the right side of the ribbon and click on dropdown.
• In the dropdown list click and select “ Widescreen (16:9) “.
• If a dialog box appears, choose “ Ensure fit “. 
• Save the PPT using any of the below three methods:

Converting a PowerPoint to Widescreen Size on Mac

If you are using a Mac, the process of converting a PowerPoint to widescreen layout is not that different. Nevertheless, here’s a step-by-step process –

• Click on the “ Design ” tab.
• Then, click on “ Slide Size ” on the top right corner of your screen.
• A dropdown menu appears. You will be presented with two different options.
• Click on the “ Widescreen 16:9 ” option to convert your presentation in the widescreen layout.

How to Convert an Existing PowerPoint Presentation from Standard to Widescreen Size?

If you have already created the presentation in a standard format, and you now need to convert it into a widescreen layout, the steps to do that are the same as described above.

However, one thing you do need to keep in mind is that while changing the layout of the slides from standard to widescreen (or vice-versa), the elements present on the slide may change its position or even the aspect ratio.

There is no shortcut to circumvent this issue. You will have to adjust all the objects manually once the slide layout has been changed.

The best thing that you can do though is to choose the correct layout before you begin creating the presentation.

Here are some additional points that you should keep in mind with regards to the slide layouts in PowerPoint –

• A presentation is either made in Standard size or Widescreen size. One single presentation cannot accommodate both formats. To elaborate, all the slides in a single presentation are of the same size, either standard or widescreen. 
• On converting Standard size to Widescreen Size presentation the spacing of content, dimensions of images, or graphics may change. These need to be resized and reshaped as per the requirements. 
• Though except for older versions of MS Office, in Windows 2013 or higher versions and Mac Widescreen is the default slide size. However, a PPT file can be prepared in standard size.

More Related Topics

• How to Lock Aspect Ratio for Images in PowerPoint
• How to Give a Presentation on Zoom [A Complete Guide!]
• How to Fix Your PowerPoint When it is Frozen!
• How to Update your Microsoft PowerPoint Application?

Credit to Cookie_Studio for the Featured Image of this article

How to change the size of slides in Microsoft PowerPoint

The actual size(s) of the slide is less important than the aspect ratio. By default, slides in presentations that you create from the Blank Presentation template are set to Widescreen size.

To change the size of your presentation slides, on the Design tab, in the Customize group, click the Slide Size button and then:

Notes : The Standard slide size:

• 1600 x 1200
• 2048 x 1536
• 2560 x 1920
• Matches the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
• Exactly fills the screen in the Slide pane and when printed on a tablet.

Notes : The Widescreen slide size:

• 1920 x 1080
• 2048 x 1152
• 2560 x 1440
• Does not match the aspect ratio of standard tablet screens
• Has empty space above and below when printed on a 4:3 screen.
• Click Custom Slide Size... :

In the Slide Size dialog box:

• Choose the slide orientation in the Orientation group.

After choosing the necessary options, click OK . The Microsoft PowerPoint dialog box will show two options on how to scale the existing slides to a new slide size:

Maximize the content size or scale it down to Ensure Fit it on the new slide.

Note : It is impossible to change the size or orientation just for some slides.

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Presentations may not look as pleasant as how you design them with pictures, animations, videos, and other graphic designs without considering the proper sizes. Often measured in either fullscreen or widescreen aspect ratios, the standard presentation sizes are actually categorized according to the number of content slides per presentations .

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Presentation font size: Dos and don’ts

• Categories: PowerPoint design , Google Slides
• Comments: 1

It’s no secret that at BrightCarbon we generally recommend keeping text on slides to a minimum . The main reason you need to avoid lots of text in presentations is because it’s virtually impossible to read and listen to someone speaking at the same time. In a presentation, you want to allow the audience to listen to the presenter while looking at an appropriate visual or diagram with minimal words, so that it all comes together seamlessly. Whereas, with documents like reports – while you can create them in PowerPoint – they aren’t presentations; there won’t be anyone talking over them. So you can (and possibly should) have a lot more text.

So, when you are using text in a presentation or document, how do you decide what size it should be? We’ve found there’s no hard-and-fast rule for how big or small text on slides should be. Each presentation has its own unique requirements – it all depends on what you’re using the slides for, what you’re hoping to achieve with them, and how your audience will be viewing them. Accessibility considerations also come into play, as well as readability across different typefaces and devices.

Determining appropriate text size

One way to decide on the right size for your text is to consider the height of each line of text in proportion to the total height of the slide . For example, in a sales or training presentation, the height of the title (per line) should take up approximately 4% of the slide’s total height; headers around 3%; and copy text around 2%.

This principle can be applied to text appearing in other types of presentation, too. For example, in a keynote presentation, the height of the text should take up around 6.5% of the slide’s total height. And in a document or report, aim for the height of the title text to take up around 4% of the slide’s total height; headers around 3%; and copy text around 1.5%.

When deciding on the right font size for a face-to-face presentation, it’s also worth considering how close audience members should be seated to the screen in order to be able to read the text easily. Check out presentation expert Dave Paradi’s table on comfortable viewing distances for text in presentation visuals [1] for more on this.

Our text size recommendations

We called upon our team of designers to determine what size they would make the text in a set of example slides. To create the slides, we used PowerPoint’s default widescreen slide size (19.05cm x 33.86cm, or 7.5”13.33”), and Arial – one of the most commonly used fonts.

The examples covered three different use-cases where text is sometimes used:

• A sales or training presentation. Small amounts of text can be used to point out key features and emphasise value and benefits.
• A keynote presentation. You want the audience to focus on the presenter during a keynote presentation, so the amount of text on each slide should be kept to a minimum. This means any text you do use can be much larger.
• A document or report. Text can generally be slightly smaller in stand-alone, static documents like reports, as readers will jump around the page to find the information they’re looking for.

Based on our team’s responses, we’d make the following recommendations:

Use-case 1: Presentation font size for a sales or training presentation

Top tip : As a general rule, aim to keep the number of different font sizes you use across your presentation to a minimum – ideally, no more than three different sizes per slide. And try to use font sizes consistently. For example, if you’ve used 20pt for headers on one slide, make sure headers on other slides are the same size.

Use-case 2:  Presentation font size for a  keynote presentation

Top tip : If you’re also using text labels or callouts in a keynote presentation, then make sure the font is slightly smaller than the rest of your text – ideally no smaller than 28pt.

Use-case 3: Font size for a document or report

Top tip : It’s also worth using visual hierarchies to help readers navigate documents like these – check out our blog post for tips on how to do this.

Hopefully, our recommendations help you to decide what size text on your slides should be. Remember, every presentation is different and will have its own individual requirements – for guidance on your particular use-case, get in touch and we’ll be happy to look over your slides. And if you want more help with upping your sales presentations’ font game, have a read of our article packed with typography tips and tricks!

[1] PARADI, D. 2008. Comfortable Viewing Distance for Text on Presentation Visuals [online]. Available from: https://thinkoutsidetheslide.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ViewingDistanceTable16x9.pdf [Accessed 14 November 2022].

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Thank you for today’s PowerPoint productivity masterclass. I’ve learned so much from BrightCarbon when it comes to PowerPoint. If there isn’t a BrightCarbon fan club already, I’ll be happy to start one! Kimm Babo Wegmans Food Markets