The golden ratio—dispelling the myth

Abstract

Abstract Background The purpose of this article is to explore the claims often cited in scientific journals regarding the golden ratio, and its proposed link to beauty and idealized forms in nature, including idealized human proportions. Main body Claims made in the nineteenth century through to the modern day in the clinical literature do not appear to be supported by evidence. Short conclusions There is no convincing evidence that the golden ratio is linked to idealized human proportions or facial beauty. There is currently no evidence to support the use of the golden ratio in orthognathic or facial aesthetic/reconstructive surgical planning or analysis of results.

Keywords

• Divine proportion
• Golden number
• Golden proportion
• Golden ratio
• Golden section