Frame Size Chart
Choosing the right frame starts with the artwork size. The chart lists standard picture frame sizes in inches and centimetres, and which photo or print fits each one with or without a mat. Enter your artwork size and mat border, and the calculator works out the mat opening, the outer frame size and the nearest standard frame — with a to-scale preview.
Frame and mat calculator
Framing Planner Pack
Printable picture frame size chart (inches and centimetres), a mat-cutting worksheet, a gallery wall planner on grid paper and a picture hanging guide.
- Size chart (PDF/XLSX)
- Mat worksheet (DOCX/PDF)
- Gallery wall planner (PDF)
- Hanging guide (PDF)
Formats: PDF, XLSX, DOCX. Instant download after payment (link valid 72 hours, up to 5 downloads). AI-assisted: the templates were drafted with AI help and reviewed and laid out by Kedop.
$3.00 USD, one-time
Secure card checkout by Stripe. Full refund within 7 days — see the refund policy and license.
Standard picture frame sizes
| Frame size | Metric | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 10 × 15 cm | Standard photo prints |
| 5 × 7 in | 13 × 18 cm | Portraits, greeting-card art; or 4 × 6 matted |
| 8 × 10 in | 20 × 25 cm | Portraits, certificates; or 5 × 7 matted |
| 8.5 × 11 in | US Letter | Documents and certificates |
| 11 × 14 in | 28 × 36 cm | Art prints; or 8 × 10 matted |
| 12 × 16 in | 30 × 40 cm | Prints; or 8 × 12 matted |
| 16 × 20 in | 40 × 50 cm | Posters and prints; or 11 × 14 matted |
| 18 × 24 in | 45 × 60 cm | Posters; or 12 × 18 matted |
| 24 × 36 in | 60 × 90 cm | Large posters |
Frame sizes refer to the size of the artwork or mat the frame holds (the rebate opening), not the outside dimensions. The moulding adds its width on every side, so an 8 × 10 frame with 1-inch moulding measures about 10 × 12 inches outside.
Matted sizes: which photo fits which frame
| Frame size | Photo / print | Mat opening |
|---|---|---|
| 5 × 7 | 4 × 6 | 3.5 × 5.5 |
| 8 × 10 | 5 × 7 | 4.5 × 6.5 |
| 11 × 14 | 8 × 10 | 7.5 × 9.5 |
| 12 × 16 | 8 × 12 | 7.5 × 11.5 |
| 16 × 20 | 11 × 14 | 10.5 × 13.5 |
| 18 × 24 | 12 × 18 | 11.5 × 17.5 |
| 20 × 24 | 16 × 20 | 15.5 × 19.5 |
The mat opening is usually ½ inch smaller than the photo in each direction, so the mat overlaps the picture by ¼ inch on every edge and holds it in place.
How to measure artwork for framing
- Measure the artwork’s width and height to the nearest ⅛ inch or millimetre.
- Decide how much of the edge the mat may cover — usually ¼ inch (6 mm) each side.
- Choose a mat border width. Wider borders make small pieces feel more important.
- Add the borders to the opening to get the mat’s outer size — that is the frame size you need.
- Check whether a standard frame is close; adjusting the mat border is cheaper than a custom frame.
Choosing a mat border width
| Artwork size | Typical border |
|---|---|
| Up to 8 × 10 in | 1.5–2.5 in |
| 11 × 14 to 16 × 20 in | 2.5–3 in |
| Larger than 16 × 20 in | 3–4 in |
A “weighted” or “bottom-weighted” mat has a slightly deeper bottom border (often ¼–½ inch more), which looks balanced on the wall because the eye perceives the centre slightly above the true middle. Use the “Extra at bottom” box to try it.
Worked example
An 8 × 10 inch photo with a ¼ inch overlap has a 7.5 × 9.5 inch mat opening. With 2-inch borders, the mat’s outer size is 11.5 × 13.5 inches. That is just too big for an 11 × 14 frame, so the calculator points to 12 × 16 and suggests widening the mat to 2.25 inches at the sides and 3.25 inches top and bottom. Alternatively, reduce the border to 1.75 inches: the mat becomes 11 × 13, and the calculator suggests an off-the-shelf 11 × 14 frame with 2.25-inch top and bottom borders. With 1-inch moulding that frame measures about 13 × 16 inches outside.
Metric and international sizes
Outside North America, frames often follow ISO paper sizes (A4 = 21 × 29.7 cm, A3 = 29.7 × 42 cm, A2 = 42 × 59.4 cm, A1 = 59.4 × 84.1 cm) and metric photo sizes such as 13 × 18, 20 × 25, 30 × 40, 40 × 50 and 50 × 70 cm. Switch the calculator to centimetres to match against these sizes. Note that US Letter (8.5 × 11 in) and A4 are close but not the same — an A4 print won’t fit a Letter frame.
Tips for framing at home
- Use acid-free mats and backing for anything valuable, so they don’t yellow the artwork.
- Hinge art to the backing board at the top only, so it can expand and contract.
- Choose UV-filtering glazing for pieces in bright rooms.
- For gallery walls, keep a consistent gap (2–3 inches) between frames.
- Hang frames so their centre sits about 57–60 inches from the floor.
Privacy
The calculator runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What are standard picture frame sizes?
Common sizes include 4 × 6, 5 × 7, 8 × 10, 11 × 14, 16 × 20, 18 × 24 and 24 × 36 inches.
What size frame do I need for an 8 × 10 photo with a mat?
Usually 11 × 14 inches.
What size frame fits a 5 × 7 photo with a mat?
An 8 × 10 frame with a 4.5 × 6.5 inch mat opening.
Is frame size the inside or outside measurement?
The inside (the artwork or mat size); the outside is larger by the moulding width.
How much should a mat overlap the picture?
About ¼ inch (6 mm) on each edge.
What is a weighted mat?
A mat with a slightly deeper bottom border, which looks balanced on the wall.
How do I measure a frame I already own?
Measure the opening in the back of the frame (the rebate), not the outside.
Can I use a bigger frame than my picture?
Yes, add a mat to fill the space, or float-mount the picture on a backing board.
Does an A4 print fit an 8.5 × 11 frame?
No, A4 is slightly narrower and taller than US Letter.
Is anything uploaded?
No, it runs in your browser.