- What is the Golden Ratio?
There is a special ratio that can be used to describe the proportions of everything from nature’s smallest building blocks (such as atoms) to the most advanced patterns in the universe. Throughout history, the ratio for length to width of rectangles of 1.618033981.61803398874989484820 has been considered the most pleasing to the eye. This ratio is called the golden ratio by the Greeks. In the world of mathematics, the numeric value is called "phi", named for the Greek sculptor Phidias. To find the golden ratio you do the following. The longer line will be A and the shorter one is B so the golden ratio is (A+B) ./. A .
- Where can we find the Golden Ratio in our everyday life?
The 3 famous/popular examples below have the Golden Ratio (or very close).
- Albert Einstein (famous physicist)
- Notre Dame (catholic cathedral in Paris/France)
- Evergreen Tree
3. Calculating the Golden Ratio Activities
Activity #1:
Now it is your turn! You and your table group will practice calculating the Golden Ratio of the Mona Lisa (famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci). Enter your information in the table below. Have fun!
A: Length of head | |
B: Width of head | |
(A+B) -------- = ? A |
Activity #2:
Now you will calculate the Golden Ratio of YOUR face, body, and arm proportions. Enter your information in the table below. Your partner is the person beside you (you will need a partner to help you!). Measure using a ruler. Measure in centimeters and round to the nearest centimeter. Be as accurate as possible and use a decimal in your answer.
Person 1 name: | Person 2 name: | |
A: Length of head | ||
B: Width of face | ||
(A+B) / A = ? | ||
A: Length of body | ||
B: Width of waist | ||
(A+B) / A = ? | ||
A: Length of elbow to wrist | ||
B: Length of hand | ||
(A+B) / A = ? | ||
Mean = ( a + b + c) ./. 3 |
4. Golden Ratio calculations by Heidi - My examples
Golden Ratio calculations of Heidi’s body | |
A: Length of body (red) | 143 cm |
B: Length of head (red) | 11 cm |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.08 |
A: Length of body (black) | 154 cm |
B: Width of waist (black) | 22 cm |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.14 |
A: Length of elbow to wrist | 23 cm |
B: Length of hand | 17cm |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.74 |
A: Length of leg | 66 cm |
B: Length of foot | 22 cm |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.33 |
Mean = ( a + b + c + d) ./. 4 | 1.32 |
Location | Height (ft) | Width (ft) | |
Support | 0 | 328 | |
First Platform | 186 | 216 | |
Second Platform | 380 | 123 | |
Intermediate Platform | 644 | 40 | |
Top Platform | 906 | 2 | |
Top | 984 | 0 |
Golden Ratio calculations of the Eiffel Tower | |
A: length | 984 ft |
B: width | 40 ft |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.04 |
A: length | 380 ft |
B: width | 216 ft |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.57 |
A: length | 380 ft |
B: width | 123 ft |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.32 |
A: length | 328 ft |
B: width | 216 ft |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.66 |
Mean = ( a + b + c + d) ./. 4 | 1.40 |
5. Actors and actresses with the Golden Ratio
Kelly Brook Johnny Depp
Kelly Brook | Johnny Depp | |
A: Length of face | 4 cm | 4 cm |
B: Width of face | 3 cm | 2.5 cm |
(A+B) / A = ? | 1.75 | 1.63 |