The Facial width-to-height ratio (FWHR) is one of the most backed-up ratios by science. It positively correlates with testosterone levels and male character traits.
Proportions of the Human Face, Paulus Pontius, 1640
What exactly is it?
Like mentioned, it is a big predictor of character traits and testosterone levels though sometimes indirectly.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6731484/
This ratio also predicts intelligence, traits like kindness, intimidation, trustworthyness and aggression.
https://www.psychologie.uni-frankfurt.de/101022797/lieberz2017.pdf
How to measure the FWHR?
Be aware that this ratio is heavily influenced by lens distortion. Take a few steps back and then only measure the ratio.
Measure the bizygomatic width.
Divide it by the length of the nasion to the prosthion.
Here you have it.
Ideal ratio
The ideal for the FWHR appears to be around 1.85-1.95.
A too short and too long face are both unaesthetic. A too short face looks low IQ, too agressive and low trust. The ideal is somewhere in between.
Ideal example
Meeks FWHR is around 1.9 in this image.
Two words: Lens distortion. Always keep that in mind.
FWHR still isn't the holy grail when it comes to ratios though.
Jordan Barrett's FWHR is around 2.2 in this picture. Don't get this wrong now, he looks good even though his FWHR is that high.
Just use a 99th percentile individual to prove something is ideal theory.
