Method

Method version 1

Everything on this page runs on your device. Photos, points and results are never uploaded. This page shows exactly how a photo becomes numbers, so every step can be checked.

In short

• Points are placed on a front photo (43 points) and, if you add one, a side photo (23 points). From them we take 49 measurements: 25 from the front and 24 from the side.
• Each measurement is compared with a reference range for the sex you choose. 43 of them count in the score; the other 6 are shown for information.
• The headline is a score from 0 to 10 with one decimal. Directly under it: how many of the counted measurements are in range, for example "11 of 19 ratios in range" for a front photo.
• The score describes proportions against reference ranges. It is not a percentile or a rank, and it never compares you with other people: there is no population data behind it, and we do not invent any.

Where the ranges and weights come from

• Backbone: the community facial analysis formula. It is a public spreadsheet passed around in facial-aesthetics forums. It lists 44 measurements, each with a top range and a point value: 305.5 points front, 194.5 side, 500 in total. We use each item's top range as its reference range and its point value as its weight.
• Everything else is ours. Names, definitions, landmark choices, the scoring curve and every text were written from anatomy and from the literature cited for each measurement. Where the formula leaves a limit open (for example "81% or more") we set one and say so. Where it disagrees with a published norm we say so too. In one case, the chin-neck angle, we use the published range instead.
• Four formula items are left out (18.5 of 500 points), because the formula does not say how they are measured. They are listed at the end of this page. The counted weights add up to 296 (front) and 185.5 (side).
• Measurements outside the formula are shown for information only (weight 0), and each one carries a published source.

From photo to points

• Front photo. The face model places all 43 front points on your device. Points it can see are detected. Points it can only guess are estimated: the hairline, the ears and the neck edges, plus any point that would fall outside the photo.
• Side photo. You place two points, the ear (tragus) and the nose tip (pronasale). A generic profile is fitted to them, and every other side point starts as a template point.
• Waiting points. Estimated and template points never count until you move them or tap Confirm. A measurement that uses one is still shown, marked as waiting, but is left out of the score. The result stays provisional until you have checked those points.
• Your corrections. Any point you move or confirm counts from then on.

How each measurement is taken

• Front. Points are converted to photo pixels. The face is then levelled on the line through the inner eye corners. "Straight down" in the definitions means square to that line, so a head tilted to one side changes nothing. Turning the head or tipping the chin up or down does change measurements; the detector warns when it sees either.
• Side. A profile facing left is mirrored, so every profile faces the same way. When the top of the ear canal (porion) and the lowest point of the eye socket rim (orbitale) are placed, the profile is levelled on the line through them: the Frankfort plane. Measurements that need a horizontal or a vertical use that plane, so tilting the head does not change them. They wait until both points are placed.
• Millimetres only with a real scale. On the front photo the detector measures the iris, which is close to 11.7 mm across in adults; only then are millimetres shown. A profile photo has no scale, so profile distances are given as a percentage of face height, from nasion to menton. Published millimetre ranges are converted with the average adult face height of 127 mm for men and 115 mm for women (nasal height plus lower face height in North American norms, Farkas 2007). 1% is about 1.2 mm.
• Signs. Eye corner tilt and brow tilt are positive when the outer end sits higher. Lip distances to the E-, S-, B- and H-lines are positive in front of the line and negative behind it. Chin projection and cheek-to-eye projection are positive when the point lies forward. Forehead slope is positive when the forehead leans back. Profile convexity is below 180° for a convex profile and above 180° for a concave one.
• No fake zeros. If two points sit on top of each other, or a height comes out upside down, the measurement has no value. It is never scored as 0.

Scoring

One measurement. Each counted measurement gets a score from 0 to 10.

• In range: 10. "In range" is judged on the value as it is displayed. An eye corner tilt of 4.6° shows as +5° and counts as inside 5–8.5°, so the number you see and its in/out mark always agree.
• Outside the range the score falls along a half cosine. It starts just under 10 at the edge of the range and reaches 0 one range width beyond it:

score = 5 × (1 + cos(π × min(gap / width, 1)))

Here gap is how far the value lies past the edge and width is the width of the range. The edge is where the displayed value leaves the range: eye corner tilt is shown in whole degrees, so for a 5° bound the edge is 4.5°. A wide range stands for a measurement that varies a lot between people, so it forgives more. A narrow range forgives less. A value outside its range never scores more than 9.9. Each measurement below lists where its score reaches 0.

The headline score is the weighted mean of all counted measurements, using the formula's points as weights, rounded to one decimal. Front and side combine naturally because the weights already split front and side the way the formula does. With only a front photo, the score covers the front. A 10.0 means every counted measurement is in range; while any one is outside, the headline stops at 9.9.

"N of M ratios in range." M is the number of measurements that count in the score. N is how many of those are in range. Measurements that are information only, or still waiting on points, are not part of M.

Areas. The same weighted mean, taken over each area's counted measurements: Thirds and shape, Eyes, Brows, Nose, Lips, Jaw and chin, Profile.

Bands. Each headline score gets a short label that says how close the measurements are to their ranges:

Closest and furthest. "Closest to range" shows up to three in-range measurements with the highest weight. "Furthest from range" shows up to three measurements outside their range, the furthest first (distance counted in range widths).

Uncertainty. The detector re-runs on slightly shifted crops of the same photo. If those runs give different scores, the spread is shown as ± next to the score. Nothing else gets an error bar, because we would have to invent it.

Measurement-only mode

Without a birth year, or under 18, you get the measurements and their reference ranges only. There is no score, no in/out marks, no counts, no closest or furthest lists and no share cards.

Limits worth knowing

• Camera distance. A close selfie makes the middle of the face look larger than the edges. Eye spacing, nose width and FWHR move the most. Take photos from 1.5 m or more and zoom in instead.
• Head pose. Tipping the chin down raises eye corner tilt and cheekbone height.
• Soft tissue. Brows, lips, neck width and jaw width include fat and muscle. Expression and grooming change them.
• Populations. For measurements marked "typical values differ between populations", the range describes the samples it was measured on. Most published reference data were collected in North America and Europe.
• Point accuracy. A point off by a millimetre can move a small angle by a few degrees. That is why angles and percentages are shown as whole numbers unless a measurement says otherwise.

Every measurement

Front photo first, then side photo, each from top to bottom.

<a id="facial-thirds"></a>Facial thirds balance (facial thirds)

facial-thirds · front photo · Thirds and shape · 30 points

How it is measured. Face height is split into three bands, each measured straight down from the eye line: hairline (trichion) to brow ridge (glabella), brow ridge to the base of the nose (subnasale), and nose base to the bottom of the chin (menton). Each band is taken as a share of hairline-to-chin height. The value is the largest gap between any band and an even third, in percentage points.

What it tells you. Equal thirds is the oldest proportion rule for the face; 0 means three equal bands. The hairline decides the top band, so this waits until you confirm the hairline point.

Reference range. Men and women: 0–3%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: each third within 1-3 points of 33%, so the largest gap is at most 3 points.

Weight. Community formula point table: facial thirds, 30 points.

Score. 10 inside 0–3%, 0 at 6.5% or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. trichion, glabella, subnasale, menton, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="upper-third"></a>Upper third

upper-third · front photo · Thirds and shape · information only, not scored

How it is measured. Height from the hairline (trichion) to the brow ridge (glabella), measured straight down from the eye line, as a share of hairline-to-chin height.

What it tells you. Shown so you can see which band drives the thirds balance; it counts only through the balance.

Reference range. Men and women: 30–36%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: each third within 1-3 points of 33%.

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. trichion, menton, glabella, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="middle-third"></a>Middle third

middle-third · front photo · Thirds and shape · information only, not scored

How it is measured. Height from the brow ridge (glabella) to the base of the nose (subnasale), measured straight down from the eye line, as a share of hairline-to-chin height.

What it tells you. Shown so you can see which band drives the thirds balance; it counts only through the balance.

Reference range. Men and women: 30–36%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: each third within 1-3 points of 33%.

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. trichion, menton, glabella, subnasale, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="lower-third"></a>Lower third

lower-third · front photo · Thirds and shape · information only, not scored

How it is measured. Height from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the bottom of the chin (menton), measured straight down from the eye line, as a share of hairline-to-chin height.

What it tells you. Shown so you can see which band drives the thirds balance; it counts only through the balance.

Reference range. Men and women: 30–36%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: each third within 1-3 points of 33%.

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. trichion, menton, subnasale, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="face-height-width"></a>Face length to width

face-height-width · front photo · Thirds and shape · 15 points

How it is measured. Height from the hairline (trichion) to the bottom of the chin (menton), measured straight down from the eye line, divided by the width across the cheekbones (zygion to zygion).

What it tells you. Describes how long or broad the whole face is. It depends on the hairline point, so it waits until you confirm it.

Reference range. Men: 1.33–1.38. Women: 1.29–1.33. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 1.33-1.38, women 1.29-1.33.

Weight. Community formula point table: total facial height to width, 15 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 1.33–1.38, 0 at 1.275 or less and 1.435 or more. Women: 10 inside 1.29–1.33, 0 at 1.245 or less and 1.375 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. trichion, menton, zygionL, zygionR, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="fwhr"></a>Face width to upper height (FWHR)

fwhr · front photo · Thirds and shape · 25 points

How it is measured. Width across the cheekbones (zygion to zygion) divided by the upper face height: from the top of the upper eyelids down to the top of the upper lip (labrale superius), measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. The most studied face-shape ratio in face research. Higher values mean a wider, shorter upper face.

Reference range. Men and women: 1.90–2.06. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 1.90-2.06 for both sexes. The eyelid-to-upper-lip height is our own landmark choice; Carré JM, McCormick CM (Proc R Soc B 2008;275:2651-2656) measure up to the brow instead, which gives lower values.

Weight. Community formula point table: FWHR, 25 points.

Score. 10 inside 1.90–2.06, 0 at 1.735 or less and 2.225 or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. zygionL, zygionR, upperLidL, upperLidR, labraleSuperius, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Camera distance; head pose.

<a id="temple-width"></a>Temple width to cheekbone width (bitemporal width)

temple-width · front photo · Thirds and shape · 5 points

How it is measured. Width across the temples, on the forehead outline, divided by the width across the cheekbones, as a percentage.

What it tells you. Shows how much the face narrows above the cheekbones.

Reference range. Men: 84–95%. Women: 79–92%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 84-95%, women 79-92%.

Weight. Community formula point table: bitemporal width, 5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 84–95%, 0 at 72.5% or less and 106.5% or more. Women: 10 inside 79–92%, 0 at 65.5% or less and 105.5% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. templeL, templeR, zygionL, zygionR

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="brow-height"></a>Brow height above the eye (brow set)

brow-height · front photo · Brows · 10 points

How it is measured. For each eye: the height from the top of the upper lid margin up to the brow (the average height of the brow head and the brow peak), measured straight up from the eye line, divided by the eye's width from inner to outer corner. Both sides are averaged and also listed separately.

What it tells you. Lower values mean brows that sit closer to the eyes. Brows are soft tissue, so raising them or grooming changes this value.

Reference range. Men: 0.40–0.66. Women: 0.40–0.85. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men below 0.66, women 0.40-0.85. The formula gives men no lower limit; we use the women's 0.40 so a brow resting on the lid does not count as in range.

Weight. Community formula point table: eyebrow setedness, 10 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.40–0.66, 0 at 0.135 or less and 0.925 or more. Women: 10 inside 0.40–0.85, 0 at 1.305 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. browHeadL, browPeakL, upperLidL, endocanthionL, exocanthionL, browHeadR, browPeakR, upperLidR, endocanthionR, exocanthionR

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression); head pose.

<a id="brow-tilt"></a>Brow tilt (eyebrow tilt)

brow-tilt · front photo · Brows · 6 points

How it is measured. For each brow: the angle above the eye line of the line from the brow head (inner end) to the brow peak (highest point of the arch). Both brows are averaged and also listed separately.

What it tells you. How steeply the inner half of the brow rises. Expression and grooming change it.

Reference range. Men: 5–13°. Women: 11–19°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 5-13°, women 11-19°.

Weight. Community formula point table: eyebrow tilt, 6 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 5–13°, 0 at −3.5° or less and 21.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 11–19°, 0 at 2.5° or less and 27.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. browHeadL, browPeakL, browHeadR, browPeakR, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression); head pose.

<a id="canthal-tilt"></a>Eye corner tilt (canthal tilt)

canthal-tilt · front photo · Eyes · 30 points

How it is measured. For each eye: the angle between the line from the inner corner (endocanthion) to the outer corner (exocanthion) and the line through both inner corners. Positive when the outer corner sits higher. The value is the mean of both eyes; each eye is also listed on its own.

What it tells you. The most quoted eye measurement. It is measured against the inner-corner line, not the photo edge, so a tilted head does not change it. A chin-down pose still raises it.

Reference range. Men: 5–8.5°. Women: 6–9.5°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 5-8.5°, women 6-9.5°.

Weight. Community formula point table: canthal tilt, 30 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 5–8.5°, 0 at 1° or less and 12° or more. Women: 10 inside 6–9.5°, 0 at 2° or less and 13° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. endocanthionL, exocanthionL, endocanthionR, exocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose; typical values differ between populations.

<a id="eye-separation-ratio"></a>Eye spacing (ESR)

eye-separation-ratio · front photo · Eyes · 35 points

How it is measured. Distance between the pupil centres divided by the width across the cheekbones (zygion to zygion), as a percentage.

What it tells you. Relates how far apart the eyes sit to how wide the face is. Close-range selfies make the centre of the face look larger, which pushes this value up.

Reference range. Men: 44.3–47.7%. Women: 45–47.9%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 44.3-47.7%, women 45-47.9%. North American norms give about 46% for men (North American young-adult norms: Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:692-698, as tabulated by Virdi SS, Wertheim D, Naini FB. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;41:9).

Weight. Community formula point table: eye separation ratio, 35 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 44.3–47.7%, 0 at 41.1% or less and 50.9% or more. Women: 10 inside 45–47.9%, 0 at 41.6% or less and 50.4% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. pupilL, pupilR, zygionL, zygionR

Sensitive to. Camera distance; typical values differ between populations.

<a id="one-eye-rule"></a>Inner eye gap to eye width (one-eye rule)

one-eye-rule · front photo · Eyes · 10 points

How it is measured. Distance between the inner eye corners divided by the average width of one eye, from inner to outer corner.

What it tells you. The classic rule says the gap between the eyes is one eye wide, a value of 1.00.

Reference range. Men and women: 0.95–1.05. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 0.95-1.05. The canon behind it (the gap equals one eye width) is tested in Farkas LG et al. Plast Reconstr Surg 1985;75:328-338.

Weight. Community formula point table: eye spacing (one eye test), 10 points.

Score. 10 inside 0.95–1.05, 0 at 0.845 or less and 1.155 or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. endocanthionL, endocanthionR, exocanthionL, exocanthionR

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations.

<a id="eye-aspect-ratio"></a>Eye width to height (eye aspect ratio)

eye-aspect-ratio · front photo · Eyes · 10 points

How it is measured. For each eye: width from inner to outer corner divided by the lid opening, from the upper lid margin to the lower lid margin, measured square to the eye's own corner-to-corner line. Both eyes are averaged and also listed separately.

What it tells you. Higher values mean a longer, narrower eye opening. Smiling or squinting narrows the opening and raises the value.

Reference range. Men: 2.8–3.6. Women: 2.5–3.3. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 2.8-3.6, women 2.5-3.3.

Weight. Community formula point table: eye aspect ratio, 10 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 2.8–3.6, 0 at 1.95 or less and 4.45 or more. Women: 10 inside 2.5–3.3, 0 at 1.65 or less and 4.15 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. endocanthionL, exocanthionL, upperLidL, lowerLidL, endocanthionR, exocanthionR, upperLidR, lowerLidR

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations.

<a id="pupil-distance"></a>Pupil distance (IPD)

pupil-distance · front photo · Eyes · information only, not scored

How it is measured. Distance between the pupil centres in millimetres. The scale comes from the iris, which is close to 11.7 mm across in adults, so the value only appears when the detector measured the irises.

What it tells you. The number used for fitting glasses. The iris scale is good to a few percent, so read it as approximate.

Reference range. Men: 61–68 mm. Women: 59–66 mm. Source: About one standard deviation around the adult means of 64.7 mm (men) and 62.3 mm (women) in Dodgson NA. Variation and extrema of human interpupillary distance. Proc SPIE 2004;5291:36-46.

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. pupilL, pupilR

Sensitive to. Camera distance.

<a id="midface-ratio"></a>Eye spacing to midface height (midface ratio)

midface-ratio · front photo · Thirds and shape · 10 points

How it is measured. Distance between the pupil centres divided by the height from the pupil line down to the top of the upper lip (labrale superius), measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. Values near 1 mean the midface is about as tall as the eyes are far apart. Lower values mean a longer midface.

Reference range. Men: 0.93–1.01. Women: 1.00–1.10. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 0.93-1.01, women 1.00-1.10.

Weight. Community formula point table: midface ratio, 10 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.93–1.01, 0 at 0.845 or less and 1.095 or more. Women: 10 inside 1.00–1.10, 0 at 0.895 or less and 1.205 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. pupilL, pupilR, labraleSuperius, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="cheekbone-height"></a>Cheekbone height

cheekbone-height · front photo · Thirds and shape · 25 points

How it is measured. Where the widest points of the cheekbones (zygion) sit between the pupils and the mouth: the height from the cheekbone level down to the lip line (stomion), divided by the height from the pupil line down to the lip line, as a percentage. All heights are measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. Higher values mean cheekbones that sit higher on the face. Tilting the chin down raises it.

Reference range. Men and women: 81–100%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 81% or more. The formula sets no upper limit; we use 100%, which would put the cheekbones level with the pupils.

Weight. Community formula point table: cheekbone height, 25 points.

Score. 10 inside 81–100%, 0 at 61.5% or less and 119.5% or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. zygionL, zygionR, pupilL, pupilR, stomion, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="nose-eye-gap"></a>Nose width to inner eye gap

nose-eye-gap · front photo · Nose · information only, not scored

How it is measured. Width across the nostril wings (alare to alare) divided by the distance between the inner eye corners.

What it tells you. A classic canon says the nose is as wide as the gap between the eyes. Nose width differs a lot between populations, so this is shown for information only.

Reference range. Men: 0.95–1.15. Women: 0.90–1.10. Source: Canon: nose width equals the gap between the eyes (tested in Farkas LG et al. Plast Reconstr Surg 1985;75:328-338). Range: the North American means of 1.05 (men) and 0.99 (women) plus or minus 0.10 (North American young-adult norms: Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:692-698, as tabulated by Virdi SS, Wertheim D, Naini FB. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;41:9).

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. alareL, alareR, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; camera distance.

<a id="mouth-nose-width"></a>Mouth width to nose width

mouth-nose-width · front photo · Lips · 10 points

How it is measured. Width between the mouth corners (cheilion to cheilion) divided by the width across the nostril wings (alare to alare).

What it tells you. Compares the width of the mouth with the nose above it. A close camera makes the nose look wider and lowers this value.

Reference range. Men: 1.38–1.53. Women: 1.45–1.67. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 1.38-1.53, women 1.45-1.67.

Weight. Community formula point table: mouth to nose width, 10 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 1.38–1.53, 0 at 1.225 or less and 1.685 or more. Women: 10 inside 1.45–1.67, 0 at 1.225 or less and 1.895 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. cheilionL, cheilionR, alareL, alareR

Sensitive to. Camera distance; typical values differ between populations.

<a id="lower-third-split"></a>Upper lip share of the lower face (lower third proportion)

lower-third-split · front photo · Thirds and shape · 5 points

How it is measured. Height from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the lip line (stomion) as a share of the height from the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin (menton). Both are measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. The classic split gives the upper lip one third of the lower face, and the lower lip and chin two thirds.

Reference range. Men and women: 30–36%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: within 1-3 points of 33%.

Weight. Community formula point table: lower third proportion, 5 points.

Score. 10 inside 30–36%, 0 at 23.5% or less and 42.5% or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. subnasale, stomion, menton, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="lip-height-ratio"></a>Lower to upper lip height (lip ratio)

lip-height-ratio · front photo · Lips · 7.5 points

How it is measured. Height of the red part of the lower lip (lip line to labrale inferius) divided by the height of the red part of the upper lip (labrale superius to the lip line), measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. Values above 1 mean a fuller lower lip than upper lip. Lips are soft tissue and change with expression.

Reference range. Men and women: 1.4–2.0. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 1.4-2.0.

Weight. Community formula point table: lower lip to upper lip ratio, 7.5 points.

Score. 10 inside 1.4–2.0, 0 at 0.75 or less and 2.65 or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleSuperius, stomion, labraleInferius, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="chin-philtrum-ratio"></a>Chin height to philtrum (chin to philtrum)

chin-philtrum-ratio · front photo · Jaw and chin · 12.5 points

How it is measured. Height from the lower border of the lower lip (labrale inferius) to the bottom of the chin (menton), divided by the height of the philtrum, from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the top of the upper lip (labrale superius). Both are measured straight down from the eye line.

What it tells you. Compares the height of the chin with the groove above the upper lip.

Reference range. Men: 2.05–2.55. Women: 2.00–2.50. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 2.05-2.55, women 2.00-2.50.

Weight. Community formula point table: chin to philtrum ratio, 12.5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 2.05–2.55, 0 at 1.545 or less and 3.055 or more. Women: 10 inside 2.00–2.50, 0 at 1.495 or less and 3.005 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, menton, subnasale, labraleSuperius, endocanthionL, endocanthionR

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="jaw-frontal-angle"></a>Jaw angle (front) (jaw frontal angle)

jaw-frontal-angle · front photo · Jaw and chin · 25 points

How it is measured. Angle at which the two jawlines meet below the chin. Each jawline runs from the jaw corner (gonion) to the side of the chin where its outline turns (chin point), and the angle is taken between the left and the right line.

What it tells you. Smaller angles mean jawlines that run down steeply to a narrower chin; larger angles a flatter, wider lower jaw.

Reference range. Men: 84–95°. Women: 86–97°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 84-95°, women 86-97°.

Weight. Community formula point table: jaw frontal angle, 25 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 84–95°, 0 at 72.5° or less and 106.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 86–97°, 0 at 74.5° or less and 108.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. gonionL, chinL, gonionR, chinR

Sensitive to. Head pose; camera distance.

<a id="jaw-width"></a>Jaw width to cheekbone width (bigonial width)

jaw-width · front photo · Jaw and chin · 15 points

How it is measured. Width between the jaw corners (gonion to gonion) divided by the width across the cheekbones, as a percentage.

What it tells you. How wide the jaw is compared with the cheekbones. The soft tissue over the jaw is part of it.

Reference range. Men: 85–92%. Women: 82–89%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 85-92%, women 82-89%. Measured North American averages are lower, about 76% (men) and 73% (women) (North American young-adult norms: Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:692-698, as tabulated by Virdi SS, Wertheim D, Naini FB. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;41:9).

Weight. Community formula point table: bigonial width, 15 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 85–92%, 0 at 77.5% or less and 99.5% or more. Women: 10 inside 82–89%, 0 at 74.5% or less and 96.5% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. gonionL, gonionR, zygionL, zygionR

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="neck-width"></a>Neck width to jaw width

neck-width · front photo · Jaw and chin · 10 points

How it is measured. Width of the neck just below the jaw divided by the width between the jaw corners (gonion to gonion), as a percentage.

What it tells you. The detector cannot see the neck edges and only estimates them, so this waits until you move or confirm both neck points.

Reference range. Men: 90–110%. Women: 75–85%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 90% or more, women 75-85%. The formula sets no upper limit for men; we use 110%.

Weight. Community formula point table: neck width, 10 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 90–110%, 0 at 69.5% or less and 130.5% or more. Women: 10 inside 75–85%, 0 at 64.5% or less and 95.5% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. neckL, neckR, gonionL, gonionR

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="symmetry"></a>Left-right symmetry

symmetry · front photo · Thirds and shape · information only, not scored

How it is measured. The face is levelled on the inner eye corners and a vertical midline is fitted through the centre points of 14 left-right pairs (temples, brows, outer eye corners, lids, pupils, cheekbones, nostril wings, mouth corners, jaw and chin points). Each right-side point is mirrored across that midline. The value is the average distance between each left point and its mirrored partner, as a percentage of cheekbone width; 0 is a perfect mirror image. One decimal, because typical values are only 1-3%.

What it tells you. No face is perfectly symmetric. Even a slightly turned head inflates this value, so it is shown for information only.

Reference range. Men and women: 0.0–3.0%. Source: Healthy adults differ left to right by about 3 mm or 3% on average (Farkas LG, Cheung G. Angle Orthod 1981;51:70-77).

Weight. Not in the community formula: shown for information, never scored.

Score. Not scored: shown with its range only.

Points used. endocanthionL, endocanthionR, templeL, templeR, browHeadL, browHeadR, browPeakL, browPeakR, browTailL, browTailR, exocanthionL, exocanthionR, upperLidL, upperLidR, lowerLidL, lowerLidR, pupilL, pupilR, zygionL, zygionR, alareL, alareR, cheilionL, cheilionR, gonionL, gonionR, jawMidL, jawMidR, chinL, chinR

Sensitive to. Head pose.

<a id="forehead-slope"></a>Forehead slope (browridge inclination)

forehead-slope · side photo · Brows · 4 points

How it is measured. Angle between the line from the brow ridge (glabella) up to the hairline (trichion) and the vertical, where vertical means square to the Frankfort plane (ear canal to lower eye rim). Positive when the forehead slopes back.

What it tells you. How far the forehead leans back above the brow ridge.

Reference range. Men: 12–23°. Women: 10–19°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 12-23°, women 10-19°.

Weight. Community formula point table: browridge inclination, 4 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 12–23°, 0 at 0.5° or less and 34.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 10–19°, 0 at 0.5° or less and 28.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. glabella, trichion, porion, orbitale

Sensitive to. Needs the Frankfort plane (porion and orbitale placed).

<a id="nasofrontal-angle"></a>Nose-forehead angle (nasofrontal angle)

nasofrontal-angle · side photo · Nose · 15 points

How it is measured. Angle at the deepest point between forehead and nose (nasion), between the line up to the brow ridge (glabella) and the line down to the nose tip (pronasale), measured in front of the face.

What it tells you. How deep the bridge of the nose sits between forehead and nose. Smaller angles mean a deeper bridge.

Reference range. Men: 106–129°. Women: 118–137°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 106-129°, women 118-137°. Powell N, Humphreys B. Proportions of the Aesthetic Face (1984) give 115-130°.

Weight. Community formula point table: nasofrontal angle, 15 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 106–129°, 0 at 82.5° or less and 152.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 118–137°, 0 at 98.5° or less and 156.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. glabella, nasion, pronasale

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="orbital-vector"></a>Cheek to eye projection (orbital vector)

orbital-vector · side photo · Profile · 7.5 points

How it is measured. Forward distance of the lower eye rim (orbitale) from the front of the eye (corneal apex), along the Frankfort plane, as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive when the rim sits in front of the eye. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Positive values mean the cheek and lower rim stand in front of the eye; negative values mean the eye sits further forward than the rim.

Reference range. Men: 0.0–3.1%. Women: 0.0–3.5%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: positive. We read positive as 0 to 4 mm, converted to % of face height. The vector concept: Jelks GW, Jelks EB. Clin Plast Surg 1991;18:183-195.

Weight. Community formula point table: orbital vector, 7.5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.0–3.1%, 0 at −3.15% or less and 6.25% or more. Women: 10 inside 0.0–3.5%, 0 at −3.55% or less and 7.05% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. orbitale, cornealApex, porion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Needs the Frankfort plane (porion and orbitale placed).

<a id="nasofacial-angle"></a>Nose to face angle (nasofacial angle)

nasofacial-angle · side photo · Nose · 9 points

How it is measured. Angle between the facial plane, from the brow ridge to the chin (glabella to pogonion), and the line along the nose from nasion to the nose tip (pronasale).

What it tells you. How far the nose angles out from the face.

Reference range. Men and women: 30–36°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 30-36°. Powell & Humphreys (1984) give 30-40°.

Weight. Community formula point table: nasofacial angle, 9 points.

Score. 10 inside 30–36°, 0 at 23.5° or less and 42.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. glabella, pogonion, nasion, pronasale

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="nasal-projection"></a>Nose tip projection (Goode ratio)

nasal-projection · side photo · Nose · 5 points

How it is measured. How far the nose tip (pronasale) stands out from the line between nasion and the crease where the nostril wing meets the cheek (alar crease), divided by the length of the nose from nasion to the tip.

What it tells you. Larger values mean a nose tip that stands further out from the face.

Reference range. Men: 0.55–0.68. Women: 0.55–0.60. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 0.55-0.68, women 0.55-0.60. Goode's method and its 0.55-0.60 norm as described in Powell & Humphreys (1984).

Weight. Community formula point table: nasal projection, 5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.55–0.68, 0 at 0.415 or less and 0.815 or more. Women: 10 inside 0.55–0.60, 0 at 0.495 or less and 0.655 or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. pronasale, nasion, alarCrease

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations.

<a id="nasomental-angle"></a>Nose-chin angle (nasomental angle)

nasomental-angle · side photo · Nose · 5 points

How it is measured. Angle at the nose tip (pronasale) between the line up to nasion and the line down to the chin (pogonion).

What it tells you. Relates the nose to the chin in profile. Smaller angles mean a nose that stands out further for the chin.

Reference range. Men and women: 125–132°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 125-132°. Powell & Humphreys (1984) give 120-132°.

Weight. Community formula point table: nasomental angle, 5 points.

Score. 10 inside 125–132°, 0 at 117.5° or less and 139.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. nasion, pronasale, pogonion

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="nasolabial-angle"></a>Nose-lip angle (nasolabial angle)

nasolabial-angle · side photo · Nose · 7.5 points

How it is measured. Angle at the base of the nose (subnasale) between the underside of the nose, towards the columella point, and the upper lip, towards labrale superius.

What it tells you. Describes how far the nose tip turns up compared with the upper lip. Smiling changes it.

Reference range. Men: 94–118°. Women: 96–119°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 94-118°, women 96-119°. North American averages are about 100° (men) and 104° (women) (North American young-adult norms: Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:692-698, as tabulated by Virdi SS, Wertheim D, Naini FB. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;41:9).

Weight. Community formula point table: nasolabial angle, 7.5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 94–118°, 0 at 69.5° or less and 142.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 96–119°, 0 at 72.5° or less and 142.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. columella, subnasale, labraleSuperius

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="profile-convexity"></a>Profile convexity (brow) (facial convexity)

profile-convexity · side photo · Profile · 10 points

How it is measured. Angle at the base of the nose (subnasale) between the brow ridge (glabella) and the chin (pogonion), measured on the side towards the ear. 180° is a straight profile. Less is convex (midface in front of the brow-chin line), more is concave (midface behind it).

What it tells you. The standard soft-tissue measure of profile shape. Concave profiles read above 180°; they are never folded back below it.

Reference range. Men and women: 168–176°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 168-176°. The same angle is the convexity measure in Legan HL, Burstone CJ. J Oral Surg 1980;38:744-751.

Weight. Community formula point table: facial convexity (glabella), 10 points.

Score. 10 inside 168–176°, 0 at 159.5° or less and 184.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. glabella, subnasale, pogonion

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="profile-convexity-nasion"></a>Profile convexity (nasion)

profile-convexity-nasion · side photo · Profile · 5 points

How it is measured. Angle at the base of the nose (subnasale) between nasion and the chin (pogonion), measured on the side towards the ear. 180° is straight, less is convex, more is concave.

What it tells you. The same profile check, starting from the bridge of the nose instead of the brow ridge.

Reference range. Men and women: 163–171°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 163-171°.

Weight. Community formula point table: facial convexity (nasion), 5 points.

Score. 10 inside 163–171°, 0 at 154.5° or less and 179.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. nasion, subnasale, pogonion

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="profile-convexity-nose"></a>Profile convexity with nose (total facial convexity)

profile-convexity-nose · side photo · Profile · 7.5 points

How it is measured. Angle at the nose tip (pronasale) between the brow ridge (glabella) and the chin (pogonion).

What it tells you. Profile shape including the nose. Smaller angles mean a nose that stands further out of the profile.

Reference range. Men and women: 137–148°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 137-148°.

Weight. Community formula point table: total facial convexity, 7.5 points.

Score. 10 inside 137–148°, 0 at 125.5° or less and 159.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. glabella, pronasale, pogonion

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="e-line-upper"></a>Upper lip to E-line (E-line)

e-line-upper · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the upper lip (labrale superius) from the line from the nose tip (pronasale) to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Ricketts' esthetic line. In adults the upper lip usually sits a few millimetres behind it.

Reference range. Men: −4.7 to −1.6%. Women: −5.2 to −1.7%. Source: Ricketts RM. Esthetics, environment, and the law of lip relation. Am J Orthod 1968;54:272-289: upper lip about 4 mm behind the line, as in the community formula's top range. Range 4 ± 2 mm behind, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Ricketts' E-line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside −4.7 to −1.6%, 0 at −7.85% or less and 1.55% or more. Women: 10 inside −5.2 to −1.7%, 0 at −8.75% or less and 1.85% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleSuperius, pronasale, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="e-line-lower"></a>Lower lip to E-line (E-line)

e-line-lower · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the lower lip (labrale inferius) from the line from the nose tip (pronasale) to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Ricketts' esthetic line. The lower lip usually sits just behind it, closer than the upper lip.

Reference range. Men: −3.1 to 0.0%. Women: −3.5 to 0.0%. Source: Ricketts 1968 (Am J Orthod 54:272-289): lower lip about 2 mm behind the line, as in the community formula's top range. Range 2 ± 2 mm behind, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Ricketts' E-line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside −3.1 to 0.0%, 0 at −6.25% or less and 3.15% or more. Women: 10 inside −3.5 to 0.0%, 0 at −7.05% or less and 3.55% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, pronasale, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="s-line-upper"></a>Upper lip to S-line (S-line)

s-line-upper · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the upper lip (labrale superius) from the line from the columella point under the nose to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Steiner's line. Lips that touch it sit balanced between nose and chin.

Reference range. Men: −1.6 to +0.8%. Women: −1.7 to +0.9%. Source: Steiner CC. Cephalometrics for you and me. Am J Orthod 1953;39:729-755: lips touching the line, as in the community formula's top range. We allow 2 mm behind to 1 mm in front, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Steiner S-line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside −1.6 to +0.8%, 0 at −4.05% or less and 3.25% or more. Women: 10 inside −1.7 to +0.9%, 0 at −4.35% or less and 3.55% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleSuperius, columella, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="s-line-lower"></a>Lower lip to S-line (S-line)

s-line-lower · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the lower lip (labrale inferius) from the line from the columella point under the nose to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Steiner's line, checked for the lower lip.

Reference range. Men: −1.6 to +0.8%. Women: −1.7 to +0.9%. Source: Steiner 1953 (Am J Orthod 39:729-755): lips touching the line, as in the community formula's top range. We allow 2 mm behind to 1 mm in front, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Steiner S-line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside −1.6 to +0.8%, 0 at −4.05% or less and 3.25% or more. Women: 10 inside −1.7 to +0.9%, 0 at −4.35% or less and 3.55% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, columella, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="b-line-upper"></a>Upper lip to B-line (Burstone line)

b-line-upper · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the upper lip (labrale superius) from the line from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Burstone's line. Both lips normally sit in front of it, the upper lip a little further than the lower.

Reference range. Men: 1.6–3.9%. Women: 1.7–4.3%. Source: Burstone CJ. Lip posture and its significance in treatment planning. Am J Orthod 1967;53:262-284: upper lip on average 3.5 mm in front of the line, as in the community formula's top range. Range 2-5 mm in front, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Burstone line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside 1.6–3.9%, 0 at −0.75% or less and 6.25% or more. Women: 10 inside 1.7–4.3%, 0 at −0.95% or less and 6.95% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleSuperius, subnasale, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="b-line-lower"></a>Lower lip to B-line (Burstone line)

b-line-lower · side photo · Lips · 2.5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the lower lip (labrale inferius) from the line from the base of the nose (subnasale) to the chin (pogonion), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Burstone's line, checked for the lower lip.

Reference range. Men: 0.8–2.8%. Women: 0.9–3.0%. Source: Burstone 1967 (Am J Orthod 53:262-284): lower lip on average 2.2 mm in front of the line, as in the community formula's top range. Range 1-3.5 mm in front, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Burstone line, 5 points, split evenly between the two lips.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.8–2.8%, 0 at −1.25% or less and 4.85% or more. Women: 10 inside 0.9–3.0%, 0 at −1.25% or less and 5.15% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, subnasale, pogonion, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="h-line"></a>Lower lip to H-line (Holdaway line)

h-line · side photo · Lips · 5 points

How it is measured. Distance of the most forward point of the lower lip (labrale inferius) from the line from the chin (pogonion) touching the upper lip (labrale superius), as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive means in front of the line, negative behind it. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Holdaway's line. The lower lip normally touches it.

Reference range. Men: −0.8 to +0.8%. Women: −0.9 to +0.9%. Source: Holdaway RA. A soft-tissue cephalometric analysis and its use in orthodontic treatment planning, part I. Am J Orthod 1983;84:1-28: lower lip on the line or within about 1 mm of it (community formula top range: touching). Range 1 mm either side, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: Holdaway H-line, 5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside −0.8 to +0.8%, 0 at −2.45% or less and 2.45% or more. Women: 10 inside −0.9 to +0.9%, 0 at −2.75% or less and 2.75% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, pogonion, labraleSuperius, nasion, menton

Sensitive to. Typical values differ between populations; soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="mentolabial-angle"></a>Lip-chin fold angle (mentolabial angle)

mentolabial-angle · side photo · Lips · 7.5 points

How it is measured. Angle at the deepest point of the fold below the lower lip (sublabiale) between the lower lip (labrale inferius) and the chin (pogonion), measured in front of the face.

What it tells you. Smaller angles mean a deeper fold between lower lip and chin.

Reference range. Men and women: 110–130°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 110-130°. North American averages are about 114° (men) and 121° (women) (North American young-adult norms: Farkas LG, Katic MJ, Forrest CR. Ann Plast Surg 2007;59:692-698, as tabulated by Virdi SS, Wertheim D, Naini FB. Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg 2019;41:9).

Weight. Community formula point table: mentolabial angle, 7.5 points.

Score. 10 inside 110–130°, 0 at 89.5° or less and 150.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. labraleInferius, sublabiale, pogonion

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression).

<a id="chin-projection"></a>Chin projection (zero meridian)

chin-projection · side photo · Jaw and chin · 5 points

How it is measured. Forward distance of the chin (pogonion) from the vertical through nasion, where vertical means square to the Frankfort plane, as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive when the chin is in front of the line. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Checks whether the chin reaches the vertical through the bridge of the nose. Negative values mean the chin sits behind it.

Reference range. Men: 0.0–3.9%. Women: 0.0–4.3%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: chin in line with or in front of the nasion vertical. That vertical is González-Ulloa's zero meridian (González-Ulloa M, Stevens E. Plast Reconstr Surg 1968;41:477-486). We cap the range at 5 mm in front, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: recession relative to the Frankfort plane, 5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.0–3.9%, 0 at −3.95% or less and 7.85% or more. Women: 10 inside 0.0–4.3%, 0 at −4.35% or less and 8.65% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. pogonion, nasion, menton, porion, orbitale

Sensitive to. Needs the Frankfort plane (porion and orbitale placed).

<a id="jaw-angle-height"></a>Jaw corner height (gonion to mouth)

jaw-angle-height · side photo · Jaw and chin · 5 points

How it is measured. Height of the jaw corner (gonion) below the lip line (stomion), measured square to the Frankfort plane, as a percentage of face height (nasion to menton). Positive when the jaw corner is below the lip line. One decimal, because 1% is only about 1.2 mm.

What it tells you. Lower jaw corners mean a taller back part of the jaw.

Reference range. Men: 0.0–11.8%. Women: 0.0–13.0%. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: jaw corner below the mouth line. The formula sets no lower limit; we cap the range at 15 mm below, converted to % of face height.

Weight. Community formula point table: gonion to mouth relationship, 5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 0.0–11.8%, 0 at −11.85% or less and 23.65% or more. Women: 10 inside 0.0–13.0%, 0 at −13.05% or less and 26.05% or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. gonion, stomion, nasion, menton, porion, orbitale

Sensitive to. Needs the Frankfort plane (porion and orbitale placed).

<a id="gonial-angle"></a>Jaw angle (side) (gonial angle)

gonial-angle · side photo · Jaw and chin · 40 points

How it is measured. Angle at the jaw corner (gonion) between the back edge of the jaw, towards the ramus point below the ear, and the lower border of the jaw, towards the bottom of the chin (menton).

What it tells you. Smaller angles mean a squarer jaw corner in profile, larger angles a more open one.

Reference range. Men: 112–123°. Women: 114–126°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 112-123°, women 114-126°.

Weight. Community formula point table: gonial angle, 40 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 112–123°, 0 at 100.5° or less and 134.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 114–126°, 0 at 101.5° or less and 138.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. ramus, gonion, menton

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="ramus-mandible-ratio"></a>Ramus to jaw length (ramus to mandible ratio)

ramus-mandible-ratio · side photo · Jaw and chin · 10 points

How it is measured. Length of the back part of the jaw, from the jaw corner (gonion) up to the ear (tragus), divided by the length of the lower border, from the jaw corner to the bottom of the chin (menton). The tragus stands in for the jaw joint, which sits just in front of it.

What it tells you. Compares the upright and the horizontal parts of the lower jaw.

Reference range. Men and women: 0.59–0.77. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: 0.59-0.77.

Weight. Community formula point table: ramus to mandible ratio, 10 points.

Score. 10 inside 0.59–0.77, 0 at 0.405 or less and 0.955 or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. gonion, tragus, menton

Sensitive to. Nothing beyond normal landmark accuracy.

<a id="mandibular-plane-angle"></a>Jawline slope (mandibular plane angle)

mandibular-plane-angle · side photo · Jaw and chin · 12.5 points

How it is measured. Angle between the lower border of the jaw (gonion to menton) and the Frankfort plane (ear canal to lower eye rim). Positive when the chin end of the border is lower.

What it tells you. Lower values mean a flatter jawline, higher values a steeper one. The Frankfort plane keeps head tilt out of it.

Reference range. Men: 15–22°. Women: 15–23°. Source: Community facial analysis formula (public spreadsheet), top range: men 15-22°, women 15-23°.

Weight. Community formula point table: mandibular plane angle, 12.5 points.

Score. Men: 10 inside 15–22°, 0 at 7.5° or less and 29.5° or more. Women: 10 inside 15–23°, 0 at 6.5° or less and 31.5° or more. Half cosine in between.

Points used. gonion, menton, porion, orbitale

Sensitive to. Needs the Frankfort plane (porion and orbitale placed).

<a id="cervicomental-angle"></a>Chin-neck angle (cervicomental angle)

cervicomental-angle · side photo · Jaw and chin · 10 points

How it is measured. Angle at the deepest point between chin and neck (cervical point) between the line forward to the bottom of the chin (menton) and the line down the front of the neck (neck point).

What it tells you. A smaller angle means a sharper line from jaw to neck. Head position and the soft tissue under the chin change it.

Reference range. Men and women: 105–120°. Source: Ellenbogen R, Karlin JV. Visual criteria for success in restoring the youthful neck. Plast Reconstr Surg 1980;66:826-837: 105-120°. This replaces the community formula's 90-105°, which is sharper than the published norm.

Weight. Community formula point table: submental cervical angle, 10 points.

Score. 10 inside 105–120°, 0 at 89.5° or less and 135.5° or more, along the half cosine in between.

Points used. menton, cervicalPoint, lowerNeck

Sensitive to. Soft tissue (fat, muscle, grooming, expression); head pose.

Left out from the formula

Changes

• Method version 1 (October 2026): first version of this method.