The appearance of the nose depends mainly on its length, its width, the shape of its dorsum, the projection and rotation of its tip, the width of its base and its relationship with the forehead, eyes, lips and chin.
To measure it correctly, you must use a strictly frontal photograph and a strict profile photograph, taken from a sufficient distance to limit deformation. A view from below can complete the analysis of the tip, nostrils and columella.
1. The general proportions of the nose
a. The main landmarks
Several points allow you to measure almost all proportions of the nose.
The nasion corresponds to the root of the nose, approximately at the hollow where the forehead meets the bridge of the nose. The pronasal is the most forward point of the tip of the nose. The subnasal is the point below the columella, where the nose meets the upper lip.
The two alares are the most lateral points of the nasal wings. The zygions correspond to the most lateral points of the cheekbones. The medial canthi are the inner corners of the eyes.
These benchmarks allow you to compare the height of the nose, its width, its projection and its place in the face. The definitions nasion, pronasale, subnasale and alare are those used in nasal anthropometry.
b. Height and width
The anatomical height of the nose is measured from nasion to subnasal:
nasion → subnasal
The width corresponds to the distance between the two most lateral points of the wings:
left alare → right alare
We can then calculate:
nasal height ÷ nasal width
A ratio around 1.4 to 1.5 produces a relatively long nose in relation to its width. Recent facial analysis systems use around 1.44 to 1.52. This range is close to the surgical standard according to which the width of the base represents approximately 70% of the nasal height, i.e. an aspect ratio of approximately 1.43.
Below about 1.3, the nose appears relatively short and wide. Above about 1.5 to 1.6 it becomes relatively long and narrow.
c. Nasal index
The same proportion can be expressed in the other direction with the nasal index:
alare-alare width ÷ nasion-subnasal height × 100
An index below 70 traditionally corresponds to a leptorrhine nose, therefore long and narrow. Between 70 and 85, he had mesorrhinitis. Above 85, it is platyrrhine, therefore relatively wide and short.
An height/width ratio of 1.45, for example, corresponds to a nasal index of approximately 69.
The two measures therefore describe exactly the same characteristic in two different forms.
d. Dorsum length
The visible length of the ridge is generally measured from nasion to pronasal:
nasion → pronasal
It differs slightly from the nasion-subnasal height, since the pronasal is in front of the face.
In adults, the nasion-pronasal length is often around 50 to 60 mm, with significant differences depending on sex and morphology. Rhinoplasty references give around 57.5 mm on average in certain Caucasian populations.
Absolute value matters most when compared to facial dimensions.
A classic proportion places the length of the nose around 0.67 of the height of the lower third of the face.
2. The nose seen from the front
a. Width in relation to the face
The width of the nose is measured between the two alares, that is to say between the most lateral points of the wings.
To know if the nose is wide or narrow, it must be compared to the bizygomatic width:
alare-alare width ÷ zygion-zygion width
A range of about 0.24 to 0.26 is frequently used for a male face, or about 24 to 26 percent of the cheekbone width.
A face width of 140 mm would thus give a nasal width of approximately 34 to 36 mm.
A lower value results in a relatively narrow nose. A higher value results in a nose occupying more width in the center of the face.
Older canons sometimes suggest a width close to a fifth of the face, but measurements of real populations frequently show a wider base. For example, a Caucasian study found approximately 36 mm in wing width compared to 30 mm in intercanthal distance.
b. Width in relation to the eyes
Another benchmark is to compare the sides of the nose to the space between the inner corners of the eyes.
We measure:
alare-alare width ÷ distance left medial canthus → right medial canthus
The classic canon is close to 1.0: the wings of the nose fall approximately below the inner corners of the eyes.
For practical analysis, approximately 1.0 to 1.1 is a reasonable range, with the nasal base equal to or slightly greater than the intercanthal distance. A study on very satisfied patients after rhinoplasty also found an average ratio close to 1.03.
At 1.0, the two widths are equal.
At 1.1, the nose is 10% wider than the intercanthal space.
A significantly wider nose greatly increases its presence in the center of the face.
c. Width in relation to the mouth
The nose can also be compared to the width of the mouth.
The measurement is:
left corner width → right corner ÷ alare-alare width
A range of around 1.38 to 1.52 is often used, with around 1.4 to 1.5 as the central zone.
This means that the mouth is approximately 40-50% wider than the nose.
A 2026 study of 156 famous men considered attractive found a particularly stable nose/mouth ratio around 0.70 to 0.73, which corresponds in the other direction to around 1.37 to 1.43 for mouth/nose.
This measurement is useful because a nose that appears wide on a face can appear perfectly proportioned if the mouth itself is wide.
d. Edge width
The width of the wings does not indicate whether the ridge itself is wide.
The upper bony part and the middle third must be observed separately.
From the front, two lines can be followed from the medial part of the eyebrows to the tip. They are called dorsal aesthetic lines. They converge slightly at the root and middle third then move away towards the tip-defining points of the tip.
In men, the dorsum is generally wider and straighter than in women.
The width of the bony base is often placed around 70 to 80% of the alar width.
For example, for a 36 mm nasal base:
36 × 0.75 = 27mm
would give approximately 27 mm for the width of the bony pyramid at its broad level.
The width of the central dorsum is smaller. The dorsal lines should tighten in the middle third then gradually reach the tip.
e. Tip and bulbosity
The tip must be distinguished from the total width of the wings.
It is formed in particular by two tip-defining points, corresponding to the two zones of light reflection created by the cartilages of the tip.
A defined tip has two relatively close points and a distinct outline of the wings. A bulbous tip, on the other hand, presents a rounder and wider mass, with less separation between the tip and the sides of the nose.
There is no universal ratio sufficiently reliable to define “bulbosity”. The width of the tip-defining points must above all remain consistent with the width of the middle third and the dorsal lines.
The dorsal lines should end gradually at these two points rather than leading to a much wider point.
f. Symmetry and deviation
The nose should also be evaluated in relation to the vertical axis of the face.
We can draw a line:
middle of glabella → middle of philtrum → middle of chin
The ridge, tip and columella should remain as close as possible to this axis.
A deviation may be limited to the dorsum, the tip or involve the entire nasal pyramid.
A slightly asymmetrical shape is common, but a visible deviation quickly attracts attention because the nose occupies the geometric center of the face.
3. The root and dorsum seen in profile
a. Radix
The radix corresponds to the visible root of the nose, that is to say the area where the forehead begins to transform into the nasal dorsum.
The deepest point of this transition is near the sellion. In photographic analysis, the term nasion is often used in a simpler way to identify this region.
Its height strongly influences the appearance of the length of the nose. A very low radix creates a deep transition with the forehead and makes the dorsum appear shorter or more humped. A high radix visually lengthens the nose and makes the forehead-nose transition more continuous.
Vertically, the root is usually located towards the region between the upper edge of the eyelashes and the crease of the upper eyelid.
The projection can also be measured from the plane of the cornea. A classic clinical reference places the radix approximately 10 mm in front of the corneal plane.
b. Nasofrontal angle
The nasofrontal angle measures the transition between the forehead and the bridge of the nose.
Its summit is at the level of the radix/nasion.
We draw a first line from the glabella towards the nasion, then a second from the nasion along the dorsum towards the tip.
The angle between these two lines gives the nasofrontal angle.
A typical range for humans is around 120 to 130°.
An experimental study that modified this angle on a male profile found approximately 130° as the best evaluated value, with a largely acceptable range of 127 to 142°.
A smaller angle creates a deeper, sharper fronto-nasal break.
A larger angle flattens the transition between the forehead and nose.
For a structured masculine profile, around 120 to 130° is a simple benchmark, with around 125 to 130° as the central zone.
c. Dorsum shape
The dorsum corresponds to the line going from the radix to the tip.
In men, the shape generally sought after is straight. A very slight convexity can also work, particularly on a face with a developed brow ridge and chin.
A marked concavity gives a “scooped” nose, while a significant convexity produces a dorsal hump.
References for male rhinoplasty generally describe a straight and more anterior dorsum than in women. An analysis of male composites deemed optimal also found a straight profile.
The shape should be looked at with the projection of the tip. An insufficiently projected tip can make the dorsum appear humped even if the hump itself is not significant.
4. The projection of the nose seen in profile
a. Nasofacial angle
The nasofacial angle measures the overall prominence of the nose in relation to the face.
We draw a facial line approximately from the glabella to the pogonion, that is to say the most advanced point of the chin.
We then draw a line along the axis of the dorsum, from the nasion towards the tip.
The angle between the two is the nasofacial angle.
The typical range is around 30 to 40°. In men, the values tend to be towards the upper part of this range.
An experimental study on a male profile found approximately 30° as the best evaluated value and 27 to 36° as an acceptable range.
For a simple analysis:
less than 27°: relatively inconspicuous nose
27 to 36°: balanced range
approximately 30 to 35°: central zone
more than 36 to 40°: increasingly prominent nose
This angle should not be confused with the nasofrontal: the nasofacial measures the projection of the nose in relation to the face, while the nasofrontal measures the break between forehead and nose.
b. Tip projection: Goode ratio
Tip projection is the distance the pronasal protrudes in front of the face.
The Goode method is the most commonly used.
First, draw a line from the nasion to the tip of the nose.
We then draw a line from the tip to the vertical plane passing through the wing furrow.
The ratio is:
tip projection ÷ nasion-pronasal length
A normal projection is around 0.55 to 0.60.
This means that the projection is approximately 55-60% of the nasal length.
Below 0.55, the tip is relatively underprojected.
Between 0.55 and 0.60, it is correctly projected.
Above 0.60, it becomes relatively hyperprojected.
Another method gives approximately 0.67 when the projection is measured differently, from the alar crease to the tip. These two figures should therefore not be mixed: they correspond to different geometric constructions.
c. Ratio 3:4:5
Another classic representation uses a 3:4:5 triangle.
The projection corresponds to 3 units, the height to 4 units and the oblique length of the nose to 5 units.
This method results in a geometry close to that obtained with the Goode ratio.
It is especially useful for understanding that a nose should not simply be long: its projection must increase with its height.
5. The tip of the nose seen in profile
a. Rotation and nasolabial angle
Tip rotation is primarily assessed with the nasolabial angle.
Its summit is located subnasally.
We draw a line following the columella towards the tip then a second following the upper lip.
The angle between the two gives the nasolabial angle.
In humans, classic clinical references use around 90 to 95°.
Preference studies give a slightly wider area. One found an optimal average of 95.96°, while a study of the general population found around 97°, with a preferred range of 90.7 to 103.3°.
We can therefore retain:
less than 90°: rather downward point
90 to 100°: balanced male zone
approximately 95 to 97°: central value
100 to 105°: tip more raised
more than 105°: significant rotation
The more the angle increases, the more the tip turns upwards and the more the nostrils become visible from the front.
b. Dropped or raised tip
A drooping tip has low rotation and descends in front of the base of the nose.
A raised tip, on the contrary, presents a significant rotation.
In men, a neutral or slightly descending tip compared to women's standards generally retains more length and structure in the profile.
The objective, however, is not to have a low tip: a truly droopy tip artificially lengthens the nose and excessively closes the nasolabial angle.
The zone around 90 to 100° generally allows you to avoid both extremes.
c. Supratip
The supratip is the small region of the dorsum immediately above the tip.
In humans, the dorsum tends to join directly with the tip, with little or no supratip hollowing.
In women, a light supratip break is used more.
A marked depression before the tip creates a more concave profile and visually increases its rotation. References for male rhinoplasty therefore generally favor a straight dorsal line up to the tip-defining points.
6. Relationship between the nose and chin
a. Nasomental angle
The nose cannot be analyzed in profile independently of the chin.
The nasomental angle is formed by:
nasion → tip of the nose
and:
tip of the nose → pogonion
The pogonion corresponds to the most advanced point of the chin.
A range of approximately 120 to 132° is the classic benchmark.
Around 126°, the nose-chin relationship is in the center of this range.
A smaller angle may correspond to a very projected nose, a strongly jutted chin, or a combination of both.
A wider angle may correspond to a shallowly projected nose, a receding chin, or a combination of both.
This is why a nose that seems too large in profile can sometimes be especially accentuated by an insufficiently projected chin.
b. Relative projection
The apparent size of the nose changes enormously depending on the projection of the forehead, maxilla and chin.
The same nose will appear larger with a receded chin and smaller with a properly projected chin.
The analysis of the nasofacial angle, the nasomental angle and the Goode ratio therefore makes it possible to distinguish the real size of the nose from its appearance in the general profile.
7. The base of the nose and the nostrils
a. General shape of the base
Seen from below, the base of the nose approximately forms a triangle.
In the classical canon, this triangle is close to an equilateral triangle.
The tip forms the anterior vertex, while the two wings constitute the lateral angles.
A very wide base transforms this shape into a trapezoid. An extremely narrow base produces a very acute triangle.
This view above all allows us to evaluate the projection of the tip, the symmetry of the nostrils, the columella and the wings.
b. Shape of nostrils
The nostrils usually form an oval or teardrop shape.
They should be relatively symmetrical and have a regular transition towards the tip and the columella.
A very round nostril visually increases the width of the base.
A very long and narrow nostril often accompanies a more projected tip.
Their shape must also be observed at rest: sagging of the wings during inspiration can significantly modify their appearance.
c. Columella and lobule
The columella corresponds to the central strip located between the two nostrils.
Seen from below, a classic proportion gives:
columella length ÷ infratip lobule length ≈ 2
or approximately a 2:1 ratio.
The infratip lobule corresponds to the part located between the tip and the beginning of the columella.
A relatively long columella combined with a shorter lobule results in a well-projected and structured tip.
d. Columellar show
In profile, a small part of the columella should be visible under the edge of the wing.
We measure vertically the distance between the edge of the wing and the lower edge of the columella.
An exposure around 2 to 3 mm is the classic benchmark, with some references using up to 4 mm.
Too much visible columella produces a hanging columella or may result from a retracted wing.
Too little columella gives the impression that the central part of the nose is raised or hidden.
e. Alar flare
The alar flare corresponds to the lateral protrusion of the wing beyond the point where it meets the cheek.
We locate the alar crease, that is to say the furrow between the wing of the nose and the cheek, then we measure to the most lateral point of the wing.
A convexity of approximately 2 to 3 mm maximum beyond the furrow constitutes a classic benchmark.
A large flare increases the apparent width of the base even when the distance between the wing insertions remains normal.
We must therefore distinguish between base width and flare.
8. The ipsilateral alar angle
a. Principle
The Ipsilateral Alar Angle or IAA describes the way in which the nose fits between the eyes.
In a frontal photograph, we use the lower or lateral point of the nasal base as the apex and draw lines towards the external canthi.
The angle obtained describes the triangle formed between the eyes and the base of the nose. Recent measuring guides generally use around 85 to 95°.
A low angle corresponds to a nasal base that is relatively narrow or located lower than the eyes.
A high angle corresponds to a wider base or more open mid-face geometry.
This measurement depends heavily on the proportions of the rest of the face. It is therefore less directly “nasal” than the wing width or the height/width ratio.
b. Relationship with the jaw
The IAA is sometimes compared to the Jaw Frontal Angle.
The two angles are ideally quite close, with a difference of around 0 to 3° in recent systems.
The principle is that the triangle of the middle of the face and that of the lower face have a comparable opening.
This measurement concerns more the general harmony than the quality of the nose taken in isolation.
9. The general form sought
a. From the front
The nose occupies about a quarter of the bizygomatic width, with an alare-alare/bizygomatic ratio around 0.24 to 0.26.
Its width approximates the distance between the inner corners of the eyes, with a ratio around 1.0 to 1.1.
Its height is approximately 1.4 to 1.5 times its width.
The edge is defined but not excessively narrow. The dorsal aesthetic lines descend symmetrically from the eyebrows, tighten in the middle third then gradually join the tip.
The tip is defined without being bulbous. The wings do not have any significant flare and the nose remains centered on the axis of the face.
b. In profile
The radix is high and projected enough to create a sharp but not deep transition with the forehead.
The nasofrontal angle is around 120 to 130°.
The dorsum is straight or very slightly convex.
The nasofacial angle is approximately around 30 to 36°, while the tip projection according to Goode is around 0.55 to 0.60.
The nasolabial angle is around 90 to 100°, with approximately 95 to 97° as the central value.
The relationship with the chin produces a nasomental angle around 120 to 132°.
c. From below
The base resembles a regular triangle.
The nostrils are symmetrical and rather oval or drop-shaped.
The columella forms a straight central line. Its length is approximately twice that of the infratip lobule.
The wing flare remains limited and the tip is projected enough to maintain a triangular shape rather than a very broad and flattened one.
10. The main measures
a. Nose height/width
Measurement: nasion distance → subnasal ÷ left alare width → right alare
Benchmark: approximately 1.4 to 1.5
Central value: approximately 1.45
b. Nasal index
Measurement: left alare width → right alare ÷ distance nasion → subnasal × 100
Benchmarks: less than 70 = long and narrow; 70 to 85 = intermediate; over 85 = wide and short
c. Width of the nose in relation to the face
Measurement: left alar width → right alar ÷ left zygion width → right zygion
Benchmark: approximately 0.24 to 0.26
Central value: approximately 0.25
d. Width of nose in relation to eyes
Measurement: left alare width → right alare ÷ distance left medial canthus → right medial canthus
Benchmark: approximately 1.0 to 1.1
Central value: around 1.0 to 1.05
e. Mouth/nose ratio
Measurement: left corner width → right corner ÷ left corner width → right corner
Benchmark: approximately 1.38 to 1.52
Central value: approximately 1.4 to 1.45
f. Width of the bony pyramid
Measurement: width of the bony base of the nose ÷ left alare width → right alare
Benchmark: approximately 0.70 to 0.80
Central value: approximately 0.75
g. Nasofrontal angle
Measurement: angle between the glabella → nasion line and the nasion → pronasal line
Benchmark: approximately 120 to 130°
Central value: approximately 125 to 130°
h. Nasofacial angle
Measurement: angle between the glabella → pogonion line and the nasion → pronasal line
Benchmark: approximately 27 to 36°
Central value: approximately 30 to 35°
i. Tip projection
Measurement: pronasal perpendicular projection → alar crease plane ÷ nasion length → pronasal
Benchmark: approximately 0.55 to 0.60
Central value: approximately 0.57
j. Nasolabial angle
Measurement: angle between the direction of the columella towards the pronasal and the subnasal direction → upper lip
Benchmarks: less than 90° = relatively descending tip; 90 to 100° = balanced male zone; more than 100° = increasing rotation upwards
Central value: approximately 95 to 97°
k. Nasomental angle
Measurement: angle between the nasion → pronasal line and the pronasal → pogonion line
Benchmark: approximately 120 to 132°
Central value: approximately 126°
l. Columellar show
Measurement: vertical distance between the lower edge of the wing and the visible lower edge of the columella on the profile
Mark: approximately 2 to 3 mm
mr. Columella/lobule ratio
Measurement: visible length of columella at base ÷ length of infratip lobule on inferior view
Benchmark: approximately 2:1
n. Alar flare
Measurement: distance between the alar crease and the most lateral point of the wing
Mark: approximately 0 to 2-3 mm
o. Ipsilateral Alar Angle
Measurement: angle formed from the lateral base of the nose towards the two external canthi on a frontal photograph
Benchmark: approximately 85 to 95°
11. The most useful measures
For a quick analysis, the most informative parameters are height versus width, nasal width versus cheekbones, width versus intercanthal space, nasofrontal angle, nasofacial angle, Goode projection, nasolabial angle, and nasomental angle.
A set close to:
height/width: approximately 1.45
nose/bizygomatic width: approximately 0.25
nose/intercanthal width: approximately 1.0 to 1.05
nasofrontal angle: approximately 125 to 130°
nasofacial angle: approximately 30 to 35°
Goode projection: approximately 0.55 to 0.60
nasolabial angle: approximately 95 to 97°
nasomental angle: approximately 126°
describes a relatively straight male nose, of medium width, sufficiently projected, with a defined but slightly raised tip.
The shape of the dorsum and the tip then remains essential: two noses with exactly the same ratios can appear very different if one has a straight bridge and a defined tip while the other has a large bump or a bulbous tip.
