Midface Ratio
The midface ratio compares the vertical height of the midface (brow to upper lip) to other facial thirds — a marker of facial proportion balance.
Definition
The midface ratio describes the vertical height of the midface — the region from the brow line (or pupil line, depending on convention) down to the upper lip — relative to the upper face (forehead) and lower face (lip to chin). Under classical thirds analysis, each region should be roughly equal at 33% of total face height. A "long midface" exceeds 35-37% and produces a stretched, top-heavy appearance. A "short midface" falls below 30% and is associated with compactness and youth — a trait often called "midface compactness" in looksmaxxing. The ratio is heavily genetic and largely set by skeletal architecture: maxillary height, nasal bone length, and orbital position.
Why it matters
Midface compactness is one of the strongest predictors of perceived youth and attractiveness in many studies, particularly for women. Models with strong careers (Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner) consistently show short midfaces. A long midface can be partially mitigated by hairstyle (heavy bangs), facial hair (chin beard to extend lower third), and posture, but the underlying bone is fixed.
How AI measures it
AI measures from the brow line (or hairline, depending on tool) down to the upper lip border, then computes that distance as a percentage of total face height (hairline to chin). Front-facing photos with neutral expression are required. Some tools use pupil-to-philtrum as a tighter midface definition, which biases toward shorter values.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good midface ratio?
Around 33% of total face height (classical thirds) is the standard target. 30-33% reads as compact and youthful. Above 37% reads as elongated.
Can mewing shorten the midface?
Mewing claims to influence midface forward growth in young people. Evidence in adults is weak — bone is largely set after puberty.
Does midface length change with age?
Slightly. Tooth wear and bite collapse can shorten the lower third over decades, making the midface appear relatively longer. Soft-tissue descent has a similar visual effect.