When it comes to gaming, every little thing counts – from how powerful your PC is to how fast your monitor refreshes. One thing lots of folks overlook that can really change how you game is your screen’s shape, or “aspect ratio”. There are two main types you’ll see a lot: 16:9 and 16:10. Both have their perks and drawbacks. We’re going to walk through what makes each one special to help you pick the best one for your gaming setup.
Also see: Screen Size Smaller or Larger Than Monitor in Windows 11/10
Page Contents
What is aspect ratio?
Before diving into the differences, let’s clear up what “aspect ratio” means. Think of it as the relationship between a screen’s width and its height, usually shown as two numbers with a colon between them. Like, 16:9 means the width is 16 units while the height is 9. This tells you about the screen’s shape and how it’ll show movies, games, and everything else. It’s pretty important not just for gaming but for watching movies, making stuff, and just about anything else you do on a computer.
Related resource: GPU 100% Usage When Idle or Gaming (Good or Bad)
16:9 aspect ratio – What gamers usually choose
16:9 is everywhere – TVs, phones, and yes, gaming. It’s super popular because it fits with all the big resolutions like Full HD and 4K, making sure games look like the creators wanted. This means lots of games are made to look their best on 16:9 screens.
With a 16:9 screen, you get a lot of space, especially width-wise. This is awesome for games where seeing more of the world at once is a big plus. That said, you might not get as much room up and down as with a 16:10 screen, which can be a bit of a letdown for certain games or if you like to do a bunch of things at once.
Because 16:9 is so common, you can find monitors like this in all sizes and prices. Whether you’re saving up or ready to splurge, there’s a 16:9 screen that’s right for you, usually at a pretty good price too.
Pro tip: 30+ Windows 11 Services to Disable for Better Gaming Performance
16:10 aspect ratio – A not so common choice
16:10 isn’t as usual as 16:9, but it’s got a dedicated crowd, especially among pros who like more room at the top and bottom for their work. For gamers, this extra bit of space can make a difference in seeing more of the game world, which is pretty neat.
If you’re all about that vertical space, 16:10 has got you covered. It might not sound like a big deal, but for certain game types, that little bit extra can really change how you play.
Finding a 16:10 screen might take a bit more effort since they’re not as common. The ones you do find are usually top-notch, with great colors and quality, aimed more at the professional crowd. They can be pricier, but you’re paying for some seriously good stuff.
Related concern: Gaming Laptop FPS Drops Randomly, Plugged in or Not
Considerations for multi-monitor setups
Planning on more than one monitor? 16:9 might be easier to work with since it’s easier to find several that match. This means less hassle getting everything to look the same across all screens. Plus, most games and apps are made with 16:9 in mind, so everything tends to just work better.
Going for 16:10? You’ll get more room up and down, great for having lots of info on screen. The catch? These monitors can be harder to find and more expensive. Mixing 16:9 and 16:10 can be done, but you might run into issues with different resolutions and colors not matching up.
Linked issue: Game Stuttering and Lag on Dual Monitor (Fix)
Compatibility and scaling issues
Since 16:9 is pretty much the norm, you’re unlikely to hit any snags with games not fitting right. Most new games are made to look great on 16:9 right from the start.
But if you do run into something made for a different shape, 16:9 screens usually handle it well, either by stretching things to fit or adding black bars that many folks find okay.
Learn more: Shortcut Keys to Scale and Resize Window in Windows 11
With 16:10 screens, you might have to work a bit harder to get everything looking right since fewer games are made for this shape. You might see some stretching, black bars making your screen look like a 16:9, or have to mess with settings or extra software to get things perfect.
Making your choice
Picking between 16:9 and 16:10 for gaming comes down to what you’re after. Want something that’s a safe bet, with tons of choices and usually cheaper? Go 16:9. It’s perfect for most gamers and gives a great experience.
Or, if having more vertical space matters to you and you don’t mind paying for quality, check out 16:10. Just keep in mind there might be a few extra steps to get your games looking just right.
At the end of the day, the best choice is what makes gaming awesome for you, while still fitting in with everything else you do on your computer.
