🖼️ Picture Framing Calculator
Calculate mat border widths, frame opening size, glass dimensions & frame rebate size for any artwork
Thickness
Thickness
Alkaline Reserve
Overlap on Art
Inner Reveal
Width Range
Extra Weight
Clearance
| Artwork Size | Top & Sides (in) | Bottom (in) | Frame Opening (in) | Outer Frame Size (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 3.5 × 5.5 | 6.5 × 9.0 |
| 5 × 7 | 1.75 | 2.25 | 4.25 × 6.25 | 7.75 × 10.25 |
| 8 × 10 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 6.0 × 8.0 | 12.0 × 14.5 |
| 11 × 14 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 8.5 × 11.5 | 16.0 × 20.0 |
| 12 × 16 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 9.5 × 13.5 | 17.0 × 22.0 |
| 16 × 20 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 13.0 × 17.0 | 22.0 × 27.0 |
| 18 × 24 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 15.0 × 21.0 | 24.0 × 31.0 |
| 20 × 24 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 17.0 × 21.0 | 26.0 × 31.0 |
| 24 × 36 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 20.5 × 32.5 | 31.0 × 41.5 |
| 30 × 40 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 26.0 × 36.0 | 38.0 × 50.0 |
| Glazing Type | UV Protection | Clarity | Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Glass | None | Standard | 2 mm | Budget frames, short-term display |
| Non-Glare Glass | None | Diffused | 2 mm | Bright rooms, reduced reflection |
| UV-Protective Glass | Up to 99% | Standard | 2–3 mm | Photos, artwork preservation |
| Acrylic (Plexiglass) | Up to 99% | High | 2–3 mm | Large formats, lightweight needs |
| Museum Glass | 99% | Optical clarity | 2 mm | Fine art, gallery display |
| No Glazing | None | N/A | 0 | Canvas, textured artwork |
| Artwork Size | Moulding Width (in) | Style | Total Frame Addition (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 × 10 | 0.75 – 1.25 | Slim / Modern | 1.5 – 2.5 per side |
| Up to 11 × 14 | 1.0 – 1.75 | Classic | 2.0 – 3.5 per side |
| Up to 16 × 20 | 1.5 – 2.0 | Standard | 3.0 – 4.0 per side |
| Up to 24 × 36 | 1.75 – 2.5 | Traditional | 3.5 – 5.0 per side |
| Over 24 × 36 | 2.0 – 3.5 | Gallery / Ornate | 4.0 – 7.0 per side |
| Sheet Size | Metric Equivalent | Typical Use | Max Artwork Accommodated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 × 20 in | 40.6 × 50.8 cm | Small mats | Up to 8 × 10 in (with 2 in border) |
| 20 × 24 in | 50.8 × 60.9 cm | Medium mats | Up to 11 × 14 in (with 2.5 in border) |
| 32 × 40 in | 81.3 × 101.6 cm | Standard professional | Up to 20 × 24 in (with 3 in border) |
| 40 × 60 in | 101.6 × 152.4 cm | Large format / commercial | Up to 30 × 40 in (with 3.5 in border) |
| 48 × 96 in | 121.9 × 243.8 cm | Bulk / trade use | Very large format artwork |
Many ways frame images exist, and the choice depends on your budget and taste. For instance, in stores as Michaels, you can get special frames for art, photographs or memoirs for less money. They also offer printing on canvas, wood, metal, glass or acrylic.
Some online services make the process simple, fast and cheap, with prices starting at 50 dollars
How to Choose a Picture Frame
Some stores specialize in prime framing of paintings, photographs and prints. Custom framing can cover almost any artwork or antiquity. There are also companies that offer museum quality, stretching of canvases, shadow boxes and professional conservation.
In cities as Seattle, you can find experts in custom framing, photo printing and art restoration that work with big care.
Frames look simple, but their price depends on many factors, as the materials, the production, the finish and the market. The cost for frame artwork is affected by the time spent, the prices of the materials, special fittings and fair payment for the work. Moreover, the location of the place and the space is commonly the biggest problem for frame-makers.
In framing stores you usually find a broad choice of standard sizes. Those are commonly simple and available in various wooden types. Because they are machine produced, you can buy them in big amounts, for instance from 25 until hundreds.
For less money, you can use nice and cheap frames from IKEA or search old frames in garage sales, later adapting the images or printing new to match.
RIBBA frames are very popular and come in various sizes to create a consistent gallery look. Every such frame usually includes a white mat to improve the presentation of the artwork. RIBBA frames start at only 1.99 dollars.
For those who want to show several photographs organized, collage frames are an excellent choice. Families can choose collage with the right number of windows, so that each member has their place.
If photographs are printed on paper, you need to use matting, backboard and glass. It is wise to choose the best archival materials. Acid-free materials and UV-protected glass are worth the search.
On the other hand, many print nice photographs directly on canvas, which does not require a frame.
Big sizes, as 12×16 or 16×20, are commonly used for photographs that will serve as a central spot in a room, for instance a portrait, wedding photograph or family image above a mantel. Hanging something on the wall is a simple trick to create a more homey atmosphere or bind the interior of the room together. A good frame can give a favorite painting more depth and the attention that it deserves.
