presentation size powerpoint

What is the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels?

By: Author Shrot Katewa

When creating a PowerPoint presentation, it is essential to determine the appropriate size for your slides. Understanding the size of a PowerPoint slide in pixels is crucial to ensure that your presentation looks great on all devices, from desktops to mobile devices.

The standard size of a PowerPoint slide is 1024×768 pixels and the widescreen PowerPoint slide is “1920×1080” pixels. It can also be adjusted based on your preferences or the requirements of the platform on which you plan to present your slides.

In this article, we will discuss the standard size of a PowerPoint slide in pixels or inches as well as how to adjust it to fit your needs. Let’s get started!

1. What is the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, there are multiple preset slide sizes available. You can also customize the size of the slide using the “Custom Slide Size” feature available in the application. Depending on the slide size you select, the size of the slide in pixels will vary.

1.1 What is the Size of a PowerPoint Standard Slide in Pixels?

The “Standard (4:3)” option in Microsoft PowerPoint used to be the only size option in the beginning since most screens from 2010 and before were that size. The standard slide size in PowerPoint is “1024×768” pixels. 

1.2 What is the Size of a PowerPoint Widescreen Slide in Pixels?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the default size of the slides is the “Widescreen (16:9)” option. The widescreen PowerPoint slide is “1920×1080” pixels.

2. What is the Size of a PowerPoint On-Screen Show Slide in Inches?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, the size of the slides is mostly measured in inches. Using the “Slide Size” dialog box, you can check the dimension of a slide in inches. Depending on the type of the selected slide, the slide size varies. There are three different “On-Screen Show” slide sizes available in Microsoft PowerPoint.

2a On-Screen Show (4:3)

The “On-Screen Show (4:3)” slides are “10×7.5” inches in size. This is the “Standard” slide size.

2b On-Screen Show (16:9)

The “On-Screen Show (16:9)” slide size is “10 x 5.625” inches in dimension. This is the “Widescreen” option which is the default slide size in PowerPoint.

2c On-Screen Show (16:10)

The “On-Screen Show (16:10)” slides are “10 x 6.25” inches in width and height respectively.

3. How to Find the Size of the Slide in Inches?

Using the “Slide Size” dialog box in Microsoft PowerPoint, you can find the size of the slides in your presentation in inches. To do so, follow the 3 quick steps.

Step-1: Click on the “Design” tab

In the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen, click on the “Design” tab. This will open the “Design” menu.

Step-2: Click on the “Slide Size” option

In the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu, click on the “Slide Size” option. Then click on the “Custom Slide Size” option in the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option. This will open a dialog box.

Step-3: Click on the “OK” button

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, you can now see the size of the slide in inches in the “Width” and “Height” boxes. Then click on the “OK” button at the bottom of the dialog box to close it.

4. How to Change the Size of a PowerPoint Slide?

In Microsoft PowerPoint, you can change the side of the slides using the “Design” menu. However, you can only change the size of all the slides in a presentation at once. To change the size of the slide in PowerPoint, follow the 3 simple steps.

The first step is to open the “Design” menu. To do so, click on the “Design” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen.

In the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu, you have to now click on the “Slide Size” option. This will open a dropdown menu containing the preset slide size options available in PowerPoint.

Step-3: Click on your preferred slide size

Finally, all you have to do is click on your preferred slide size option from the preset options available in the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option. The available slide sizes are “Standard” and “Widescreen” .

4.1 How to Customize the Size of a PowerPoint Slide?

The “Custom Slide Size” feature in Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to customize the size of all the slides in a presentation. Using the feature, you can set any dimension to the slides in your presentation. To customize the size of the slides in a presentation, follow the 7 easy steps.

The first step is to open the PowerPoint presentation file where you want to customize the size of the presentation slides. Then click on the “Design” tab in the menu ribbon located at the top of the screen to open the “Design” menu.

The next step is to click on the “Slide Size” option in the “Customize” group of the “Design” menu. In the dropdown menu, the default slide size is the “Widescreen (16:9)” option.

Step-3: Click on the “Custom Slide Size” option

Now all you have to do is click on the “Custom Slide Size” option at the bottom of the dropdown menu under the “Slide Size” option in the “Design” menu. This will open a dialog box.

Step-4: Click on the “Slide sized for” option

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, click on the “Slides sized for” option. Then click on the “Custom” option at the bottom of the dropdown menu under the “Slides sized for” box.

Step-5: Click on the “Width” box

In the “Slide Size” dialog box, the next step is to click on the “Width” box. Now you can type in your preferred width of the slides in inches. You can also use the up and down arrows in the “Width” box to increase or decrease the width of the slide respectively.

Step-6: Click on the “Height” box

The next step is to customize the height of the slides. To do so, click on the “Height” box in the “Slide Size” dialog box and type in your preferred slide height in inches. You can also click on the up or down arrows in the “Height” box to adjust the height of the slides to your preference.

Step-7: Click on the “OK” button

Finally, all you have to do is click on the “OK” button at the bottom of the “Slide Size” dialog box to save the custom size for the slides in the presentation file.

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Laura M. Foley Design

Cheat Death by PowerPoint!

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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How to Adjust PowerPoint Slide Size for Any Purpose

Adjusting the size of your PowerPoint slides is essential for ensuring that your presentations are visually appealing and fit the screen or platform you intend to use. Whether you’re preparing for a conference, creating a digital portfolio, or designing a slideshow for an online course, knowing how to change the slide size in PowerPoint can make a significant difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it. aippt com,

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting PowerPoint Slide Size

1. open your powerpoint presentation.

Open the PowerPoint presentation that you want to adjust. If you’re starting from scratch, you can create a new presentation.

2. Go to the Design Tab

In the PowerPoint ribbon, click on the “Design” tab. This is where you’ll find options to customize the look and feel of your slides.

3. Click on the “Slide Size” Button

In the “Design” tab, look for the “Slide Size” button. It’s usually located on the right side of the toolbar. Click on this button to reveal a dropdown menu.

4. Choose a Predefined Size or Create a Custom Size

The dropdown menu will give you a few options:

– Standard (4:3) : This is the traditional size, which is useful for older monitors and projectors.

– Widescreen (16:9) : This is the modern standard for most screens and projectors. ai ptt?

– Custom Slide Size : If you need a specific size that’s not listed, click on “Custom Slide Size.”

5. Adjusting Custom Slide Size

If you select “Custom Slide Size,” a dialog box will appear. Here you can enter the width and height of your slides. You can also select the orientation (portrait or landscape).

6. Choose How to Scale the Content

After you set the custom size, PowerPoint will ask how you want to scale your existing content to fit the new dimensions. You’ll have two options: ai para ppt.

– Maximize : This option will enlarge your content to fill the slide, which may cause some content to be cut off.

– Ensure Fit : This option will resize your content to fit within the new dimensions, which may leave some empty space around the edges.

7. Apply and Review

Click “OK” to apply the new slide size. Review your slides to make sure everything looks as expected. You may need to adjust some elements manually to ensure they fit well.

Practical Tips for Different Purposes

Presentations for conferences and meetings.

For conferences and meetings, the widescreen (16:9) format is generally the best choice because it matches the aspect ratio of most modern projectors and screens. ppt for ai!

Online Courses and Digital Content

When creating content for online courses or digital platforms, consider the aspect ratio of the platform. Many video platforms use the 16:9 format, so it’s often a good idea to use this size.

Printing and Handouts

If you need to print your slides or create handouts, the 4:3 format can be more practical. It’s easier to fit on standard paper sizes without wasting space.

Social Media and Marketing

For social media content, you might need a custom size. For example, Instagram stories are best viewed in a vertical format. Be sure to check the specific size requirements for each platform.

Using AiPPT to Automatically Generate and Adjust Slides

AiPPT is a powerful tool that can help you create and adjust PowerPoint slides effortlessly. With AiPPT, you can generate professional-looking slides with just a few clicks. Here’s how AiPPT can help:

Automatic Slide Generation

AiPPT uses AI to generate slides based on your content. You can input your text or data, and AiPPT will create visually appealing slides for you.

Customizable Templates

AiPPT offers a variety of templates that you can customize to fit your needs. You can easily adjust the slide size and format to match your requirements.

Easy Adjustments

With AiPPT, you can quickly adjust the size of your slides without worrying about losing content or formatting. The AI ensures that your content is scaled appropriately.

Time-Saving

AiPPT saves you time by automating the slide creation process. You can focus on your presentation content while AiPPT handles the design.

Adjusting the size of PowerPoint slides is crucial for creating presentations that look great on any screen or platform. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily change the slide size to suit your needs. Additionally, using tools like AiPPT can streamline the process and help you create professional slides quickly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. can i change the slide size after adding content.

Yes, you can change the slide size at any time. PowerPoint will give you options to scale your content to fit the new size. a i ppt?

2. What’s the best slide size for online presentations?

The widescreen (16:9) format is generally the best choice for online presentations, as it matches the aspect ratio of most screens and projectors.

3. How do I ensure my slides look good when printed?

Use the standard (4:3) format for printing, as it fits better on standard paper sizes.

4. Can AiPPT adjust slide sizes automatically?

Yes, AiPPT can help you adjust slide sizes automatically and ensure that your content is scaled appropriately.

5. What should I do if my content looks distorted after changing the slide size?

You may need to manually adjust some elements to ensure they fit well within the new dimensions. Use the “Ensure Fit” option to minimize distortion.

By following these guidelines, you can create PowerPoint presentations that look great and fit any purpose. Consider using AiPPT to make the process even easier and more efficient.

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How to change slide size in powerpoint.

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Changing powerpoint slide sizes, changing to a custom powerpoint slide size.

PowerPoint allows you to format and present the content of your slides in different ways. If you want to print out or display your PowerPoint slides in a bigger or smaller-than-average size, you can change the slide sizes to match.

PowerPoint has two common slide sizes. The first, 4:3, is a good option if you're using older hardware to present your slides. If you're planning on presenting your PowerPoint presentation using a modern projector or display, then the 16:9 slide size should be your preferred choice.

By default, PowerPoint will default to the 16:9 side slide. To print your slides (full size, one per page), you'll likely need to use a custom slide size, rather than one of these options.

Switching to another size is thankfully an easy process---open your PowerPoint presentation to begin and then click the "Design" tab on the ribbon bar.

In the "Customize" section of the "Design" tab, select the "Slide Size" button. This will display the two common slide sizes in a drop-down menu.

Click either the "Standard (4:3)" or "Widescreen (16:9)" option to switch all of your PowerPoint slides to that size.

Unfortunately, it isn't possible to use multiple slide sizes in a PowerPoint presentation. Just as if you were making PowerPoint slides vertical , any changes you make to your PowerPoint slide sizes will apply to all slides.

Related: How to Make Slides Vertical in PowerPoint

It's possible to use a custom PowerPoint slide size if the default 4:3 or 16:9 options are unsuitable. You might choose to use a custom slide size if you're 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.

Various preset slide sizes, such as A3 or A4 paper sizes, are shown under the "Slides Sized For" drop-down menu.

Select one of these preset options, or set your slide dimensions manually using the "Width" and "Height" option boxes. From there, click the "OK" button to save.

If you're scaling down to a smaller size, PowerPoint will ask you how it should handle any slide content.

Choose "Maximize" if you want the slide contents to remain at a similar scale, but with the risk that some of the content may be cut. Alternatively, click "Ensure Fit" to scale the slide contents down in size to match the new slide size without losing any content.

Once saved, the custom slide size you selected will be immediately applied to all of your slides, with slide content being resized or cut to match.

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• Microsoft PowerPoint

How to change the PowerPoint Slide Size: All you need to know

It’s always a good idea to know how to change Slide Size in PowerPoint, as you might have to adapt your presentation to different devices. Did you know that the default size of a PowerPoint slide depends on the version of the program you’re using? That’s another reason why the same content can look different on various devices, so it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for surprises and learn to scale your presentation properly in Microsoft PowerPoint. This tutorial illustrates how to change the PowerPoint Slide Size to match the screen of any device, using Windows 10, your iPhone, or Mac:

Skip to chapter

First things first: about powerpoint slide dimensions, how to change the powerpoint slide size in windows 10, how to change slide size in powerpoint on your mac, how to change slide size in powerpoint on your iphone, which powerpoint slide size did you end up using.

NOTE: This guide applies to Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 and 2019. If you’re not sure about your PowerPoint version, read What version of PowerPoint do I have? . You can download PowerPoint straight from Microsoft , but you must own the Microsoft Office suite or have an Office 365 subscription to use it. This tutorial covers only Windows 10, iOS, and macOS, because the option to change the PowerPoint Slide Size is not available on Android.

You’ve done your research, practiced your speech, and spent time adding visual aids for your audience. However, it can all be ruined if you created a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint 2019, whose default slide size is Widescreen (16:9) , and you now have to use an old projector with the Standard (4:3) size. Your slides look different from what you originally intended and need to be adjusted to fit the screen you’re currently using.

To avoid any mismatches that might result in your pages being cut off on the edges or framed by black bars in Microsoft PowerPoint, change Slide Size as soon as you know where and how you’ll deliver your presentation. Unfortunately, not everyone knows which PowerPoint Slide Size is best in each situation. If you’re in doubt, you can always rely on the two most common PowerPoint slide dimensions:

• Standard (4:3) – the default PPT Slide Size in PowerPoint 2010 and previous versions. Works best on older screens with low resolutions, old projectors, online presentation sharing platforms like SlideShare , and iPads.
• Widescreen (16:9) – the default in Microsoft PowerPoint 2013 and newer. Works best on new screens with a wide aspect ratio (HDTVs, Smart TVs, LCDs, 4K monitors), new or HD projectors, Microsoft Surface devices, and online platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Most laptops use a 16:9 aspect ratio, with the exception of MacBook’s 16:10 aspect ratio.

Common PPT Slide Size options

These are the only two settings available on iPhones. However, Microsoft PowerPoint offers you more Slide Size options in Windows 10 and macOS, such as Letter Paper or A4 Paper , which are better suited for printing your presentation. On top of that, if you want to optimize everything as much as possible, you can input a custom PPT Slide Size in inches, centimeters, or pixels, as you’re about to see in this guide.

IMPORTANT: It’s best to change Slide Size in PowerPoint before designing your presentation, to create a perfect canvas for your ideas. If you change the size of a PowerPoint slide after adding content to it, the elements and images you included might appear distorted and need further adjustments, so the sooner you find out the aspect ratio or resolution of the device you’re using for your presentation, the better.

Open the Microsoft PowerPoint presentation you want to work with or start a new project. To change the PowerPoint slide dimensions, first access the Design tab on the app’s ribbon. Then, you can find the Slide Size button in the Customize section on the right.

Change size of PowerPoint slide from the Design tab

Depending on your screen and the size of the PowerPoint window, the option might be hidden. If you can’t see the button, press Customize to reveal it, and then click or tap on Slide Size .

Press the PowerPoint Slide Size button

This opens a dropdown menu with three available options:

In PowerPoint, change Slide Size using one of these three options

• Standard (4:3) - click or tap on this option to get slides of 10 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 19.05 cm.
• Widescreen (16:9) - press to get slides of 13.33 x 7.5 inches or 33.867 x 19.05 cm.
• Custom Slide Size - access this option if you are looking for something different than the two commonly used settings we discussed.

Choosing the last option opens the Slide Size pop-up window, where you can select a custom size to work with or change other slide aspects, like their orientation.

The PowerPoint Slide Size pop-up in Windows 10

While you can use the options on the right of the window to tweak the Orientation options, the settings related to the size of a PowerPoint slide are on the left side of the Slide Size pop-up. Click or tap the “Slides sized for:” field to access a dropdown menu with other presets you can use for your PowerPoint slide dimensions.

Change size of PowerPoint slide with one of the preset options

To modify the Width and Height fields, use the arrow buttons next to them or write the specific values you prefer into each box. When you change slide size in PowerPoint, you can use pixels, inches, or centimeters by typing px , in , or cm accordingly, next to the value you want.

Enter a custom value to change the PowerPoint slide size

Once you are done choosing the slide size, click OK in the Slide Size window. In Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 and newer, you get a pop-up window and can choose how to change the slide size. This only happens when scaling down to a smaller Slide Size - e.g., from Widescreen to Standard . There are two available options:

Decide what happens with the content when you change Slide Size in PowerPoint

• Maximize - click or tap on either of the two Maximize buttons to leave the contents of your slides as they are, without resizing them. If there is a lot of information on a slide, some elements might not fit anymore and bleed out.
• Ensure Fit - reduces the size of your texts or images to fit the smaller slide size. While your content is not cut out, it does scale down in proportion to the new selected size.

The new slide size is immediately applied to your PowerPoint presentation.

TIP: If you are going to hold your presentation on a Windows device, read our tutorial listing 7 ways to find out your screen resolution to find the right size for your slides.

The options to change PowerPoint Slide Size on your Mac are similar to the ones in Windows. Access the Design tab and click on the Slide Size option on the right.

Click the PowerPoint Slide Size button on the macOS Catalina version

You also get a dropdown menu with three available options on the macOS version of PowerPoint:

Change the size of a PowerPoint slide by choosing one of the three options available on your Mac

• Standard (4:3) – click on this option if you want slides of 10 x 7.5 inches or 25.4 x 19.05 cm.
• Widescreen (16:9) – clicking on this setting gets you slides of 13.33 x 7.5 inches or 33.867 x 19.05 cm.
• Page Setup – lets you define a custom size (preset or custom) if the previous common sizes are not what you want for your presentation. Clicking on it opens the Page Setup pop-up seen below.

Change the PPT Slide Size from the Page Setup pop-up on macOS Catalina

The size options in the Page Setup pop-up are identical to the ones found in Windows. Scroll up to the previous chapter to learn more about the preset values in the “Slide(s) sized for” dropdown menu or the custom ones you can insert in the Width and Height fields using inches ( in ), centimeters ( cm ), or pixels ( px ).

When you are done, click OK, and you get a different pop-up, asking you how to handle your content. If you choose to Scale , PowerPoint tries to fit everything into the new scale size, reducing your content size if needed. Clicking the Don’t Scale button keeps elements at their original sizes, even if they no longer fit correctly.

Decide to scale or keep your original content when resizing your PowerPoint slides

The new Slide Size is immediately applied to the presentation, with slide content being resized or cut if needed, according to your preferences.

On your iPhone’s slightly more basic version of PowerPoint, change slide size by accessing the Design options, which house the setting on iOS as well. The steps you need to follow are, however, not as straightforward on these devices. First, tap on the More button in the lower-right corner. Its icon looks like three horizontal dots.

Press on the three horizontal dots icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen on iPhone

You can now see and edit the PowerPoint tab you’re in. Tap on the Home button to see other available options.

Press Home to change the PowerPoint tabs on your iPhone

This opens a dropdown menu, where you can finally find the Design tab. Press on it.

Tap the PowerPoint Design tab on your iPhone

Tap on the Slide Size button listed in the Design screen.

Press the PowerPoint Slide Size button shown on the iPhone

There are only two options available, and we covered them at length in the first chapter of this guide. Tap on the Slide Size you want, and it is immediately applied.

Choose a PowerPoint Slide Size from the two options available on your iPhone

TIP: If you need to know the aspect ratio of an iOS device, read our tutorial listing 3 ways to find the screen resolution of your iPhone or iPad .

If you must regularly create and send PowerPoint presentations at work, it may not be possible to choose the perfect size, as you can’t control the devices your audience is using. The best you can do is use our guidelines to ensure the content is optimized for most viewers. If you show a PPT or PPTX project to a larger audience, make sure to review your slides, test your file in advance on the exact device you plan to use, and leave time for any adjustments.

We tend to stick with the common PowerPoint slide sizes, which are good enough for most devices we come across. What about you? Which PowerPoint Slide Size did you select? Did you find it necessary to create a custom one, or did you end up using the preset ones? Tell us your story in the comments.

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Home Blog PowerPoint Tutorials PowerPoint Slide Size: What is the Best Size for a Presentation

PowerPoint Slide Size: What is the Best Size for a Presentation

Whether you’re a business professional, educator, or public speaker, understanding what are the optimal slide dimensions can enhance the impact of your presentation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the size of your PowerPoint presentation, from the basics to advanced tips.

What is the PowerPoint Slide Size?

PowerPoint slide size refers to the dimensions of the slides within your PowerPoint presentation. These dimensions determine how your content is displayed in a monitor or projector, and can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your presentation.

The most common slide sizes in PowerPoint are 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard).

Choosing the right slide size is essential as it impacts how your content is perceived and ensures compatibility with various display devices. Once you define the optimal slide size for your next presentation, you can change the slide dimensions in PowerPoint following the steps described in our article.

It is important to understand the differences between Aspect Ratio and Pixel Dimensions.

The specific pixel dimensions for a standard 16:9 slide are 1920 pixels in width by 1080 pixels in height.

Understanding Aspect Ratio vs. Pixel Dimensions

Aspect ratio vs. pixel dimensions: what’s the difference.

When defining the optimal slide size for your presentation, it’s important to understand the difference between aspect ratio and pixel dimensions, as these terms often cause confusion but are critical for creating well-designed presentations.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of your slide. It’s expressed as two numbers separated by a colon, such as 4:3 or 16:9. The aspect ratio defines the shape of your slide and how it will appear on different screens.

Pixel Dimensions:

Pixel dimensions, on the other hand, specify the total number of pixels in the width and height of your slide. This measurement determines the resolution and quality of your images and text in your PowerPoint slide size. For example:

• 1920 x 1080 pixels: This is a common dimension for a 16:9 aspect ratio, known as Full HD. It provides high clarity and detail, making it suitable for large screens and high-resolution displays.
• 1024 x 768 pixels: This dimension matches a 4:3 aspect ratio and is often used for smaller screens or lower resolution displays. It’s less detailed than 1920 x 1080 but can be effective for standard printouts or older projectors.

Why both slide size definitions matter? Understanding both aspect ratio and pixel dimensions is important because they impact how your PowerPoint slide size is viewed across different devices and formats. Here’s why:

• Consistency Across Devices: Ensuring your aspect ratio is compatible with the display device prevents issues like black bars on the sides (letterboxing) or content being cut off (cropping).
• Clarity and Detail: Choosing appropriate pixel dimensions ensures that your images and text appear sharp and clear, avoiding pixelation or blurriness.
• Professional Appearance: Matching the right aspect ratio and pixel dimensions helps maintain a polished and professional look, whether you’re presenting on a large screen, sharing a PDF handout (as we will see later), or displaying your slides online.

The Impact of Slide Size on Different Industries

Different industries have unique needs when it comes to presentation slide sizes. For instance:

• Business: Corporate presentations often require widescreen formats (16:9 slide size) to showcase detailed charts and data on modern projectors and screens. However, in some environments there are still projectors using the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio format for slide sizes.
• Education: Lectures and workshops benefit from both 16:9 and 4:3 formats, depending on the teaching aids and screen setups used.
• Design: Creative professionals need to create visually appealing slides that may require custom dimensions to stand out and effectively communicate their ideas.

Best Practices for Choosing a Proper Slide Size for your Presentation

When selecting an optimal PowerPoint slide size, consider the following:

• Audience and Venue: Tailor your slide size to the screen size and setup of your presentation venue. Widescreen (16:9) is typically best for large screens, while standard (4:3) works well for print distributions.
• Presentation Type: Webinars and online presentations held via Zoom or Teams , for example, often benefit from widescreen formats, while in-person meetings might require flexibility.
• Aesthetics vs. Functionality: Balance visual appeal with readability and content integrity.

When creating PDF handouts from your PowerPoint presentation, it’s also important to choose a convenient slide size that ensures readability and clarity in print.

The 4:3 aspect ratio is generally preferred for printed handouts as it aligns well with standard paper sizes such as A4 or Letter. This format ensures that your content fits neatly onto the page without excessive margins or cropping.

Additionally, using 4:3 as the PowerPoint page size for printing ensures that text and graphics are appropriately scaled, maintaining the legibility and professional appearance of your handouts. This consideration is essential for creating effective printed materials that complement your live presentations.

Overcoming Challenges with Slide Size

Adapting content for different slide sizes.

Resizing images and adjusting layouts can be challenging. Here are some tips:

• Resizing Images: Ensure that images maintain their aspect ratio to avoid distortion.
• Text Adjustments: Modify font sizes and text boxes to fit the new slide dimensions without compromising readability.
• Consistency: Keep a consistent layout throughout your presentation to maintain a professional look.

Dealing with Mixed Slide Sizes in a Presentation

Sometimes, you may need to integrate slides with different dimensions. Here’s how:

• Transition Techniques: Use smooth transitions to blend slides of varying sizes seamlessly.
• Tools and Add-Ins: You can use PowerPoint add-ins that help manage and standardize slide sizes across your presentation.

Advanced Tips for Custom Slide Sizes

When it is time to innovate, the PowerPoint slide size can also play an important role. If you are considering to create a presentation for digital signage, or non traditional devices, choosing a custom PowerPoint slide size can help to achieve this. Here are some ideas and ways you can innovate by choosing a different slide size:

• Unique Dimensions: Create custom slide sizes for branding or special events.
• Custom Branding: Use non-standard slide sizes to align with your brand identity and marketing materials.
• Innovative Uses: Experiment with different dimensions to create unique visual experiences.

For example, to create high-quality digital signage content, you’d need to set the PowerPoint slides to a 1920×1080 resolution in vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) mode, which are the typical digital sign screen sizes.

Understanding what is the optimal PowerPoint slide size and how to configure it is essential for creating effective and engaging presentations in Microsoft PowerPoint. By optimizing your slides, and overcoming common challenges, you can ensure your visual aids are impactful and professional. Keep experimenting with different sizes and formats to find what works best for your needs.

Remember, the key to a successful presentation lies in the details—choosing the right slide size is one of them.

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How to Change Slide Size or Dimensions in PowerPoint

Change PowerPoint Slide Size (Widescreen, Standard or Custom)

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated October 25, 2024

Applies to: Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® 2016, 2019, 2021 and 365 (Windows)

You can change the slide size or aspect ratio of a PowerPoint presentation in all versions. The default slide size or dimensions is widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio). You can also enter a custom slide size if you prefer (including entering slide size in pixels). The best time to set slide size is when you first set up your PowerPoint presentation before you add any content. If you change the size later in the process, you may have to deal with distorted pictures and you may also need to adjust the position and size of various objects on slides in Normal View and in the slide master(s) and layouts in Slide Master View.

In this article, we'll review:

When to use widescreen or standard sizes

Change slide size to widescreen or standard, change slide size to a custom size, issues when changing slide size, dimension differences between different slide sizes, tips when changing slide size.

You should never change slide size just before running a presentation as you may not be satisfied with the results. If you already have a presentation with images and other content, it's also a good idea to change slide size on a copy of the presentation so you can keep the original deck and slide size.

Note: Some Ribbon tabs may appear with slightly different names if you are working with PowerPoint 365 and have a smaller screen or different display settings. Buttons on the Ribbon may appear as icons only and are also affected by screen size and display settings.

Recommended article: How to Reduce the Size of PowerPoint Presentations (10 Ways to Compress Your PowerPoint Decks)

Do you want to learn more about PowerPoint?  Check out our virtual classroom or live classroom  PowerPoint courses >

The most common slide sizes or aspect ratios are typically used as follows:

• Widescreen or 16:9 aspect ratio is frequently used for onscreen presentations using a projector, monitor or a widescreen TV. Older projectors used the standard aspect ratio but most new projectors are designed for widescreen.
• Standard or 4:3 aspect ratio is often used if slides are intended to be printed on letter size paper.

Slide size changes affect the entire presentation. You cannot change slide size for single slides.

To change slide size to widescreen or standard size:

• In Normal View, click the Design tab in the Ribbon.
• Click Slide Size in the Customize group. A drop-down menu appears.
• Select Widescreen, Standard or another option from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears with options to maximize content or scale to fit (this dialog appears only if you are moving from a larger to a smaller slide size).
• Select the desired option.

Slide Size appears on the Design tab in the Ribbon:

The following dialog box appears in PowerPoint to maximize content or scale to fit only when you change slide size to a smaller size (such as widescreen to standard):

If you select Maximize, the slide content will not be resized when you change to the smaller slide size.

If you select Ensure Fit, PowerPoint will scale your content to fit the smaller slide size.

You can use custom slide sizes. Simply choose options from the Slides sized for drop-down menu in the dialog box (such as A4 paper size) or enter custom dimensions.

To change slide size to a custom size:

• Choose Custom Slide Size from the drop-down menu. A dialog box appears.
• Select an option from the Slides sized for drop-down menu or enter the desired slide size in the Height and Width boxes.
• A dialog box appears with options to maximize content or scale to fit (this dialog appears only if you are moving from a larger to a smaller slide size).

Note that the measurement system in PowerPoint dialog boxes is based on your system settings. If you would like to change the measurement system, check out our article on How to Change the Measurement System in PowerPoint.

The following dialog box appears when you select Slide Size and then Custom Slide Size:

You can create posters in PowerPoint by entering a custom slide size such as 36 inches wide by 56 inches high or 91.44 cm wide by 142.24 cm high. The maximum slide size in PowerPoint is 56 inches or 142.24 cm. As a best practice, set the slide size before adding content to the poster.

Many PowerPoint users are not aware that you can enter slide size in pixels (simply enter the measurement with px beside the number). This is useful in a number of situations such as using PowerPoint to create social media posts. If you enter slide size in pixels (such as 200px), when you tab to another box or close the dialog box, PowerPoint changes the pixels to the equivalent in the current measurement system.

When changing slide size in existing presentations with content, 4 common issues occur:

• Pictures may be distorted as PowerPoint tries to adjust images to fit slide size. Images on slides in Normal View will be affected as well as images on the slide master(s) and layouts. If pictures are distorted, you will need to either manually resize each image or delete them and insert them again.
• Objects such as placeholders and shapes that have been created in PowerPoint are not in the position you'd like. You may need to move objects or reset one or more slides (on the Home tab in the Ribbon, click Reset in the Slides group).
• Extra space is created if you change to a larger slide size. You may need to move or resize objects and adjust the slide master(s) or layouts in Slide Master View.
• If you have changed to a smaller slide size, you may need to increase font size for placeholders and text boxes.

In PowerPoint 2013 and later versions, widescreen (16:9) format measurements are different and are set to 13.33 inches wide by 7.5 inches high or 33.867 cm wide by 19.05 cm high. This matches the height of the 4:3 format.

To avoid issues in PowerPoint related to slide size, you should:

• Try to set slide size as a first step after you create a presentation and before you have entered any content. In 2013 and later versions, the default is widescreen (16:9 aspect ratio).
• If you have changed slide size in a presentation with content, review your slides to be sure you are satisfied with the results. You should also check the slide master(s) and layouts in Slide Master View.
• Never change slide size just before running a presentation as you may not be pleased with the results and you won't have time to fix your slide deck.
• If you have created a presentation with content, make a copy of the presentation first and change slide size on the copy.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind that widescreen is normally used for on screen presentations and standard is often used for printed presentations.

This article was first published on October 6, 2019 and has been updated for clarity and content.

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PowerPoint slide size and dimensions

Are you creating a presentation for a device other than a widescreen display? Our guide shows you how to change the slide size in PowerPoint for the right fit.

When you’re planning out a presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, one item to consider is the slide size. If you’re presenting the slideshow on your own screen, this is a bit simpler. But if not, you’ll need to consider where your audience will be viewing it such as on a mobile device or computer monitor.

We’ll guide you through the available sizes and dimensions for PowerPoint slides, how to adjust the size to fit your needs, and how an AI presentation maker like Plus AI can make quick work of building and editing presentations.

Available PowerPoint sizes and dimensions

When you create a new presentation in PowerPoint, the slide size is set by default as Widescreen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. But you may want to make your slideshow fit a mobile screen, overhead projector, or older monitor. You can choose the size from a variety of preset options or use your own dimensions.

Standard (4:3) : This preset gives you the original size and dimensions used by earlier Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides versions. Because it was intended for square monitors, it doesn’t work well on widescreen displays, but is still available if you need it.

Common 4:3 aspect ratio dimensions include 1024 by 768 and 1280 by 960 pixels.

Widescreen (16:9) : This preset is the default size for new blank PowerPoint slideshows. It fits modern computer displays and TV screens making it the most widely-used slide size for presentations.

Common 16:9 aspect ratio dimensions include 1280 by 720 and 1920 by 1080 pixels.

Custom Slide Size : For additional presets such as letter size, 35mm slides, or your own exact dimensions, you can pick the Custom Slide Size option. Then, use the drop-down list to select a preset or choose Custom and enter the slide height and width.

How to change slide size in PowerPoint

When you’re ready to change the slide size for your presentation, you can do so in just a few steps. Keep in mind that you cannot use different sizes for individual slides or sections in the same presentation. Once you pick the size, it applies to all slides.

• With your slideshow open in PowerPoint, go to the Design tab.
• Select the Slide Size menu in the ribbon and choose the Standard or Widescreen preset or pick Custom Slide Size to use a different preset or enter the dimensions manually.

• You should see a prompt asking how you’d like to adjust your content. You can either maximize the slide content or scale it to fit. Pick Maximize or Ensure Fit per your preference.

You’ll then see your presentation update with the new slide size.

If you don’t like the new slide size, you can reverse the change. If you don’t make any other edits after changing the size, click Undo in the Quick Access Toolbar. Otherwise, follow the same steps above to pick the previous size.

Tips for after changing your PowerPoint slide size

When you change the size in PowerPoint after you have elements placed on your slides, you may need to make adjustments. This is especially true if you choose a vertical layout rather than a horizontal one. Things like text may need to be resized or images might need to be repositioned.

After you choose the new size, review each slide for these considerations:

• Text size : You might need to make the text larger or smaller for readability.
• Image and object placement : You may have to shift positions for images, videos, shapes, or other objects.
• Animations and transitions : You might need to reorder animations or edit transitions.
• Formatting : You may have to reformat tables, diagrams, or charts to better fit the new slide size.
• Whitespace : You might notice more or less empty space at the top or bottom of the slides that needs addressing.

Remember, you can make a copy of your presentation before you change the slide size or begin adjusting the slide elements. This allows you to experiment on a copy without losing your original slideshow setup.

To create a duplicate, go to File > Save a Copy . Edit the name to reflect the copy, optionally choose a new location, and click Save .

Create stunning presentations with Plus AI

If you’re struggling for the best design for your PowerPoint slideshow, especially with a unique slide size, you do have options such as AI presentation makers .

One tool to consider is ChatGPT for creating a PowerPoint presentation ; however, it does have limitations. For example, you cannot create a PPT or PPTX file with this option. So, while you may get help composing informative content, it cannot “build” your presentation like with other tools.

A terrific presentation maker is Plus AI for Google Slides and Docs . With it, you can create a presentation using Slides and then download it to PowerPoint for a slideshow that’s ready to go.

Additionally, you can edit existing slideshows with the Plus AI add-on for Google Slides to enhance the appearance as well as improve the content.

Apply an attractive template, change the slide layout, or create a custom theme that you can reuse for consistent presentations. Additionally, you can ask Plus AI to add more content details, shorten specific text, or even translate it to another language.

Head to the Plus AI website for more on the complete feature set, to view video demos, see the template gallery, and start your free trial!

If your audience will be viewing your PowerPoint presentation on an unconventional display, you can make sure that it fits the screen by changing the slide size and dimensions. While it’s ideal to make the slide size decision from the start, it’s not always possible. So be sure to keep Plus AI in mind for editing your slideshows.

How do you change the size of a PowerPoint slide without distortion?

You can avoid distorting your elements when you choose a new slide size with a simple setting. When you select the new size and the pop-up window displays, choose Ensure Fit to scale your slide elements without skewing them.

What are the best dimensions for a PowerPoint poster?

Using PowerPoint to create a poster gives you flexibility along with great features for the design, images, and text. Typical poster sizes range from 24 by 36 inches to 36 by 48 inches. Use the Custom Slide Size option in the Slide Size menu to set your poster size.

Why is PPT size too large?

If you’re trying to send or share your PowerPoint slideshow, you may run into trouble if the file size is too large. There can be a few reasons for the hefty presentation file size, so take a look at how to compress a PowerPoint slideshow for ways to decrease it.

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