Correct Size and Aspect Ratio for Facebook Page Cover Photo in 2024
Facebook page cover photo is also commonly described as Facebook banner which displays on top of the page as a background image.
So, what are the best Facebook cover size dimensions and aspect ratio for best display on both mobile and desktop screens?
Most information on the internet about FB cover size is either wrong or confusing, but here you will get the correct answer, because this Facebook cover size is personally tested by myself.
Best Facebook Page Cover Size
Any appropriate banner image in 16:9 ratio is perfect for the Facebook cover, for example 1280 by 720 pixel, 1600px x900px, 1640 by 924 pixels, or 1920 by 1080 pixels. However, in my opinion the most optimum size for Facebook cover photo is 1640px wide and 924px tall.
Optionally, for a fast loading and lightweight cover image, design it in 851 by 479 pixels, following the Facebook recommendation, also having the 16:9 ratio.
Why 1640 by 924 pixels is the best Facebook cover size?
A Facebook cover image having width of 1640 pixels and height of 924 pixel is the best, because:
It is 16:9 aspect ratio as recommended by Facebook.
It has almost double the width (1640 px) from that of recommended (851 pixels) by Facebook. Therefore, the cover photo will give a blurry look, even if a user views it in full screen.
A Facebook cover having 16:9 ratio will display as full image on mobile phone screens - it will not crop out. On desktop screen, only the upper and bottom portions (height) will crop out - width will not crop out.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is commonly used in design. Therefore you can use any widescreen thumbnail image as Facebook cover.
The cover image will provide ideal display on both classic Facebook page as well as Facebook new page experience.
How many business pages on Facebook follow the 16:9 ratio size recommendation for the cover photo?
Most pages do not use this wise size for Facebook cover - the main reason might be the multiple and confusing recommendations on the internet. However, there are many pages which use a facebook banner cover in the best 16:9 ratio, for example NYT Cooking page (as shown in video demo).
Vital Tips for Facebook Cover Design
Place important elements and vital text on the center right side of the cover photo. It is the safest portion of a Facebook cover image on both mobile and desktop -because it is always visible on all screens. In Facebook new page experience pages, on mobile screens, profile picture displays takes up too much space on the bottom left half of the cover image.
Do not place important elements (such as some discount offer or business contact information) on the upper and bottom portions of Facebook cover because it will not be visible on desktop screens. Get some ideas for Facebook cover design.
How many pixels of Facebook cover will crop out on Desktop screen?
So, we have concluded that 16:9 aspect ratio is the best for a Facebook cover photo. It will be easier to design a Facebook cover photo in any 16:9 size, if you exactly know the number of pixels which are automatically removed on desktop display.
166 pixels both on top and bottom of Facebook cover will crop out, if you design the FB cover in 1640 by 924 pixel size.
188 pixels both on top and bottom of the Facebook cover will automatically cut, when you upload a cover photo designed in 1920 by 1080 pixels.
Therefore, it is better to keep this portion empty or show here any less important elements such as business logo. You can watch video of Facebook cover size tutorial for better help.
How to measure safe and unsafe pixel margins of Facebook cover?
In any design software (such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Filmora), take a picture, plain box, or a text box. Now bring the mouse cursor over any corner handle of the text box. As you start dragging the box, the current width and height values will appear.
For demo, you can watch this video on YouTube.
Drag the box until the required height value (166px) reaches. Now drag the box and align it on top of the image. Duplicate it to align another one on bottom of the cover. This 166px height will determine the unsafe margin of the Facebook cover where you should avoid writing any important text. The remaining central portion is safe for placing elements because it will show on all screens.
More Resources
Check these helpful resources.
YouTube banner best size guideline.
Facebook Page Cover Size: Responsive Correct Size.
Custom Facebook Cover Design service.
Best Video Resolution and Export Settings for Upload on YouTube.
Best Favicon Size: Recommended by Google, Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy.
Wrong Logo Size Hurts Website Speed and thus SEO.
