What Is the Middle Third Measurement in FaceIQ Labs' Harmony Analysis?
FaceIQ Labs' Middle Third is a front-view Harmony measurement of the vertical space from brow level to the bottom of the nose, calculated as brow-to-nose-bottom height ÷ hairline-to-chin height × 100. It is read alongside the Top Third and Lower Third, and the guide states no ideal percentage.
Key facts
- Middle Third = brow-to-nose-bottom height ÷ hairline-to-chin height × 100
- It is a front-view facial thirds measurement in FaceIQ Labs' Harmony pillar
- The brow reference is calculated from both brows
- Raised eyebrows and head tilt can shift the brow reference
- Middle Third is different from the pupil-based Midface Ratio
- Worked example: a 57-unit middle third in a 180-unit face gives 31.7%; a 63-unit span in the same face gives 35%
- Example values are not a target range; the guide states no ideal Middle Third percentage
- Facial thirds grew out of artistic proportion canons and later anthropometry; Farkas et al. tested traditional proportion rules in 1985
- FaceIQ Labs states its score weights and reference ranges are model settings, and the cited papers do not collectively validate the scoring system
What is the Middle Third measurement in FaceIQ Labs?
The Middle Third in FaceIQ Labs' Harmony analysis is the vertical space from brow level to the bottom of the nose, expressed relative to the full face. It is a front-view facial thirds measurement, and FaceIQ Labs' Harmony guides present it alongside the Top Third and Lower Third.
How does FaceIQ Labs calculate the Middle Third?
FaceIQ Labs calculates the Middle Third as brow-to-nose-bottom height divided by hairline-to-chin height, multiplied by 100, giving a percentage of full face height. The brow reference is calculated from both brows, and FaceIQ Labs uses photographed brow landmarks to divide the face in the front view.
Why does the Middle Third matter?
The Middle Third matters because this region connects the eye area to the mouth and contains much of the visible nose height. FaceIQ Labs says reading it alongside the other thirds helps explain whether a face looks vertically compact or elongated. Lower and higher values differ as follows.
- Lower value: less of the face lies between brow and nose.
- Higher value: more of the face lies between brow and nose.
What does a worked example of the Middle Third look like?
In FaceIQ Labs' worked example, a 57-unit middle third within a 180-unit full face height gives 31.7%, while a 63-unit span within the same full height gives 35%. These values only explain the calculation. They are not a target range and are not measurements of the guide's schematic.
Is there an ideal Middle Third percentage?
FaceIQ Labs' Middle Third guide does not state an ideal or target percentage, and it does not say a higher or lower value is better. Its example values are explanatory only. The company states that its score weights and reference ranges are model settings, and the papers it lists do not collectively validate them.
What can affect the accuracy of a Middle Third result?
For FaceIQ Labs' Middle Third, raised eyebrows and head tilt in a photo can shift the brow reference, which is calculated from both brows. FaceIQ Labs generally recommends photos taken from six feet away with the back camera at 2x zoom, at eye level, with even lighting and a neutral expression.
How is Middle Third different from Midface Ratio?
FaceIQ Labs treats Middle Third and Midface Ratio as separate measurements. Middle Third divides brow-to-nose-bottom height by hairline-to-chin height using a brow reference calculated from both brows, while the Midface Ratio is pupil-based.
Where does the Middle Third idea come from?
FaceIQ Labs' Middle Third draws on facial thirds, which grew out of artistic proportion canons and later anthropometry, the measurement of human form. Farkas and colleagues tested those rules in 1985, examining nine traditional proportion rules against measured faces. The guide notes classical rules are not universal targets.
Where does the Middle Third fit in FaceIQ Labs' broader analysis?
The Middle Third is a front-view measurement within the Harmony pillar of FaceIQ Labs' facial analysis. Harmony is one of four pillars (Harmony, Angularity, Dimorphism, Features), each scored 0–10 alongside an overall score. Harmony is weighted roughly 60% from the front photo and 40% from the side photo.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher or lower Middle Third percentage better?
FaceIQ Labs' Middle Third guide does not say either is better. It explains that a lower value means less of the face lies between brow and nose, and a higher value means more of the face lies between brow and nose.
How is Middle Third different from Midface Ratio?
FaceIQ Labs treats them as separate measurements. Middle Third uses a brow reference calculated from both brows, while the Midface Ratio is pupil-based.
What photo factors can throw off my Middle Third measurement?
According to FaceIQ Labs, raised eyebrows and head tilt can shift the brow reference used in the Middle Third calculation.
What photo guidance does FaceIQ Labs give for accurate measurements?
FaceIQ Labs recommends taking photos from six feet away with the back camera at 2x zoom, at eye level, with even lighting and a neutral expression. Side photos are standardized to the Frankfort horizontal plane during landmarking, though Middle Third is a front-view measurement.
What research does FaceIQ Labs cite for the Middle Third?
FaceIQ Labs cites Farkas et al. (1985), which tested nine traditional proportion rules against measured faces. FaceIQ Labs says its own score weights and reference ranges are model settings that these papers do not collectively validate.