Golden Ratio: Where Maths Meets Beauty

Who thought maths and beauty could be linked? Literally nobody (apart from us Steminists!).

However, we discovered that physical attraction can depend greatly on mathematics – particularly ratio!

We as humans are more attracted to another if their features appear symmetrical. Scientists believe that proportional bodies are perceived as healthier, therefore seeming more appealing.

For example, I bet you’ve seen Leonardo Da Vinci’s ‘Vitruvian Man’ before:

The illustration explores the proportions of the human figure and was inspired by Vitruvius’s theories. The Roman architect believed that a 'perfect body' could be inscribed within a circle and a square. Through words and drawing, Da Vinci's diagram presents the idealized body he was imagining.

The measurements of the drawing are:

navel (belly button) to foot: foot to navel ≈ 1:1.505

This figure excites many, as they believe that it is significantly close to the ‘Golden Ratio’, a special ratio that is commonly believed to make ‘perfect shapes’.

So, what is the Golden Ratio?

If the sum of two quantities is equivalent to the larger of the two quantities, it is said they obey the Golden Ratio.

a + b is to a, as a is to b

If a rectangle that has this ratio, it is deemed to be the 'perfect rectangle', similarly with other shapes.

The golden ratio’s symbol is the Greek letter "phi" and it is approximately equal to the number 1.618 (however, it's an irrational number). The number is formed by the division of numbers in the Fibonacci sequence – where each new number is found through the addition of its two predecessors.

Many architects and philosophers believe 1:1.618 is the ‘perfect ratio’ for shapes and it appears frequently in geometry, art and architecture.

If human facial features conform to the Golden Ratio, many claim this is a geometrically perfect face; the ideal human form is one of which proportions of the body and face are equal to 1.618. The proportions of the length of the nose, length of chin and eye position determine the ‘mathematical beauty’ of a face and the symmetry in the face. A proportional face could conform to the Golden Ratio in areas such as:

· The head forming a ‘golden rectangle’ with the eyes at the midpoint.

· Both nose and mouth are also at a golden ratio to the distance between the bottom of the chin and eyes.

· Width of the iris: width of the eye

· Outer edges of lips: upper edges of lips

· Width of the second tooth: width of the centre tooth

George Clooney and Harry Styles faces are almost mathematically perfect according to phi!

We hope that this may explain some of your TikTok or celeb crushes, let us know what you think about the Golden Ratio (@cellfiemagazine on Twitter, TikTok and Instagram). :)