The Golden Ratio: Nature's Perfect Proportions

The golden ratio is a mathematical proportion in nature, art, architecture, and design. It's a shortcut to proportions we seem to find innately pleasing.

What Is the Golden Ratio?

The golden ratio has an elegant mathematical definition: the ratio of the long over the short dimension is the same as both added together over the long dimension. It works out at around 1.618. This relationship creates a golden rectangle.

If you remove a square from a golden rectangle, the remaining space is another golden rectangle. This process can continue indefinitely, forming the golden spiral.

The Golden Ratio in Nature

In nature, the golden spiral abounds. Find it in:

The spiral of a nautilus shell
The arrangement of sunflower seeds
The spirals of hurricanes and galaxies
The shape of some seashells and the growth patterns of cacti

Some parts of our bodies also approximate the golden ratio. You can try these measures out yourself. For example, measure the ratios of:

Your height to the height of your belly button — mine is 1.68
Your finger length (not thumb) to the distance to the second knuckle — mine is 1.68

So, if you know your height, you can make an educated guess at the height of your belly button without even measuring.

The Golden Ratio in Art and Architecture

Designers, artists and architects have used the golden ratio intuitively and intentionally for 1000s of years. So you can find the golden ratio in:

The Pyramids of Giza and the Parthenon
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa
the shapes of violins
photography compositions
corporate logos

No wonder it's sometimes called the golden ratio of beauty.

Using the Golden Ratio

The golden ratio is a tool for balance and harmony. Using it in your craft—whether creating graphics, taking photos, or designing a website or building—can bring balance and harmony to your work.

You can use the golden ratio to guide the layout of elements.

Use the golden rectangle: Divide your design area into a golden rectangle. This gives you a framework for positioning your text, images, and other elements in a visually pleasing way.
Spiral composition: Divide your golden rectangle into a golden spiral. Position key elements of your composition where the spiral leads for a flowing, natural composition. The spiral works well for web design, posters, or advertising, leading the viewer's eye through your content.
Proportions and spacing: When designing logos, posters, or even UI layouts, using the golden ratio for the size relationships between text, images, and borders can create a sense of proportionality that feels balanced.

You can also make use of the golden ratio in photography. Just as with the rule of thirds, you can use the ratio to frame your subjects, with focal points falling along key intersections. This can create harmony and depth in the shot.

Check out some golden ratio examples . Even Trump .

This sketch features in my book Big Ideas Little Pictures along with 136 other fun and fascinating concepts.