🖼️ Picture Frame Size Calculator
Find the perfect frame size, mat border, and opening dimensions for any artwork
| Frame Size | Typical Art Size | Mat Border | Mat Opening | Metric (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6" | 3.5 x 5.5" | 0.5" | 3.4 x 5.4" | 10 x 15 cm |
| 5 x 7" | 4 x 6" | 0.75" | 3.9 x 5.9" | 13 x 18 cm |
| 8 x 10" | 6 x 8" | 1.5" | 5.9 x 7.9" | 20 x 25 cm |
| 11 x 14" | 8 x 10" | 2" | 7.9 x 9.9" | 28 x 36 cm |
| 16 x 20" | 11 x 14" | 2.5" | 10.9 x 13.9" | 41 x 51 cm |
| 18 x 24" | 12 x 16" | 3" | 11.9 x 15.9" | 46 x 61 cm |
| 24 x 36" | 18 x 28" | 3.5" | 17.9 x 27.9" | 61 x 91 cm |
| 20 x 24" | 14 x 18" | 3" | 13.9 x 17.9" | 51 x 61 cm |
| Frame Size | Frame Opening | Rabbet Depth | Glass Size | Backing Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10" | 7.75 x 9.75" | 0.25" | 7.875 x 9.875" | 7.75 x 9.75" |
| 11 x 14" | 10.75 x 13.75" | 0.25" | 10.875 x 13.875" | 10.75 x 13.75" |
| 16 x 20" | 15.75 x 19.75" | 0.25" | 15.875 x 19.875" | 15.75 x 19.75" |
| 18 x 24" | 17.75 x 23.75" | 0.25" | 17.875 x 23.875" | 17.75 x 23.75" |
| 24 x 36" | 23.75 x 35.75" | 0.25" | 23.875 x 35.875" | 23.75 x 35.75" |
| Common Name | Ratio | Typical Sizes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | 1:1 | 5x5, 8x8, 12x12" | Instagram, modern art |
| Classic Photo | 2:3 | 4x6, 8x12, 12x18" | 35mm photography |
| Portrait | 4:5 | 8x10, 16x20" | Portraits, fine art prints |
| Landscape | 3:4 | 6x8, 9x12, 12x16" | Landscapes, wide scenes |
| Panoramic | 1:2 | 6x12, 12x24" | Wide landscape, cityscape |
| Standard Poster | 2:3 | 18x24, 24x36" | Movie posters, wall art |
Choosing the right size for a picture frame can seem hard, but it does not have to be. The common sizes of picture frame are 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10. Those three options look good in almost any room whether home or in an office. Also the square 5×5 frames already became very liked.
Picture frames of 4×6 and 5×7 work for tables, mantles and desks. They show enough details from a photograph, without taking too much space. Sizes 5×7 and 8×10 are the most liked overall and one can fit them for other photo sizes by means of a close support design.
How to Choose the Right Picture Frame Size
A picture frame of 8×10 works for an image that measures exactly 8 inhces by 10 inches. For graduation photos or similar ones, such frames work very well. Choices like 11×14 or 12×14 give even more framed space around the photograph.
A frame of 16×20 inches suits an image of 12×16 inches, which leaves a nice 2-inch border all around.
Picture frames measure according to what they can store inside. So a photograph of 11×17 inches fits in a frame of 11×17 or bigger. The inner part of a frame is usually cut at 1/16 to 1/8 inch more then the stated size, so nothing stays stuffed.
The outer size can range from 1/8 inch to more than 5 inches bigger, according to the width of the frame trim.
Adding a mat deserves thought. Many frames from stores with a mat have a smaller window, that covers part of the image. For instance, a frame of 5×7 inches could have an opening of around 4.5 by 6.5 inches.
Even smaller mat sizes add variety. An easy and cheap way is to print photographs in standard form, so that one can use store-bought mats and frames without problem.
Choosing a size for a frame, big art pieces and frames fit in large areas, while small frames work for details. Consider the space on the wall, the size of the art and the general feel of the room. The art should take two thirds to three quarters of theavailable wall space.
Some cameras, including iPhones, produce images with a side ratio of 4:3. That means that photographs from those devices usually have sizes like 5×4, 6×8, 7.5×10, 9×12, and similar. Staying at standard picture frame sizes is the safest choice for any photograph.
Simply choose something that looks good wherever it will be placed. There are also small frames, because some people favor small masterpieces. Measuring the art from edge to edge before choosing a frame, the whole process becomes much more simple.
