Golden Ratio, Fibonacci Nunmers & Rule of Thirds

The golden ratio, also known as the golden proportion or divine proportion, is a unique mathematical equation, in which two numbers are in a ratio that equals approximately 1.618.

Golden ratio exists when a line is divided into two parts and the longer part (a) divided by the smaller part (b) is equal to the sum of (a) + (b) divided by (a), which both are equal to 1.618. In simple words, you can find the golden proportion when you multiply or divide 1.618 to a measurement or quantity. For example, if segment A = 1 and we multiply 1.618 to segment A, then it will be 1.618.

The golden ratio is derived from something called the Fibonacci sequence, named after its Italian founder, Leonardo Fibonacci. The Fibonacci sequence is a never-ending series of integers (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, etc.) in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. 

The Fibonacci sequence is found in many natural phenomena, such as the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the spirals of pine cones and pineapples, the branching of trees, and the arrangement of seeds in sunflowers.

South African researchers say the golden ratio governs the entire universe. The golden ratio describes predictable patterns in everything from atoms to huge stars in the universe. Nature uses this ratio to maintain balance and order. According to Akhand Sutra, the core, perfect, and most beautiful objects of the universe and nature follow the “Divyank Ratio” or the Golden Ratio.

Throughout history, the golden ratio has been used in art, architecture and design to achieve beauty, balance, and harmony, because it is considered as the most pleasing division to the eye.

The rule of thirds is a modern and effective design technique that is derived from Golden Ratio. The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to divide an image into three columns and three rows equally (both horizontally and vertically). At the points where the vertical and horizontal lines cross each other are considered as focal points.

We place our main subject on or near these crossing points that draw the attention of the viewer and create a sense of size or space, making the composition more interesting.