Picture Frame Size Calculator
Determine the exact dimensions for your artwork, mat, and frame with ease.
The width of the visible artwork or photo.
The height of the visible artwork or photo.
The width of the matting on all four sides.
The width of the frame material itself.
Total Outer Frame Dimensions
—
Mat Opening Size
—
Glass / Inner Frame Size
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Visual Dimension Guide
Summary of Dimensions
| Component | Dimension (Width x Height) |
|---|---|
| Artwork | — |
| Mat Opening | — |
| Inner Frame (Rabbet/Glass) | — |
| Outer Frame | — |
What is a Picture Frame Size Calculator?
A picture frame size calculator is a specialized tool designed to simplify the process of custom framing. It helps artists, photographers, and homeowners determine the precise dimensions needed for a perfectly matted and framed piece of art. By inputting the artwork size, desired mat width, and the width of the frame moulding, the calculator computes the final outer dimensions of the frame, the size of the glass or acrylic needed, and the mat opening. This eliminates guesswork, prevents costly measurement errors, and ensures all components fit together harmoniously. Our tool is the ideal picture frame size calculator for both DIY projects and professional framing jobs.
Picture Frame Size Formula and Explanation
The calculations are straightforward, involving adding the dimensions of each component. The key is to account for the mat and frame on both sides of the artwork (top and bottom, left and right).
- Inner Frame Width = Artwork Width + (2 × Mat Border Width)
- Inner Frame Height = Artwork Height + (2 × Mat Border Width)
- Outer Frame Width = Inner Frame Width + (2 × Frame Moulding Width)
- Outer Frame Height = Inner Frame Height + (2 × Frame Moulding Width)
For more complex projects, you might need to consider custom mat cutting techniques.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artwork Width/Height | The dimensions of the photo or art print. | inches / cm | 4 – 40 |
| Mat Border Width | The visible width of the mat on each side. | inches / cm | 1 – 4 |
| Frame Moulding Width | The physical width of the frame’s material. | inches / cm | 0.5 – 3 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Framing a Standard 8×10 Photograph
You have a standard 8×10 photo and want to give it a classic look with a mat and frame.
- Inputs:
- Artwork Width: 8 inches
- Artwork Height: 10 inches
- Mat Border Width: 2.5 inches
- Frame Moulding Width: 1.25 inches
- Results:
- Inner Frame Size: (8 + 2*2.5) x (10 + 2*2.5) = 13 x 15 inches
- Outer Frame Size: (13 + 2*1.25) x (15 + 2*1.25) = 15.5 x 17.5 inches
Example 2: Framing a Small Poster in Centimeters
You have a poster that measures 30×40 cm and want a thin frame with a wide mat.
- Inputs:
- Artwork Width: 30 cm
- Artwork Height: 40 cm
- Mat Border Width: 5 cm
- Frame Moulding Width: 2 cm
- Results:
- Inner Frame Size: (30 + 2*5) x (40 + 2*5) = 40 x 50 cm (a standard size)
- Outer Frame Size: (40 + 2*2) x (50 + 2*2) = 44 x 54 cm
Understanding choosing frame materials can also impact the final look.
How to Use This Picture Frame Size Calculator
- Select Your Units: Start by choosing your preferred unit of measurement, either inches or centimeters.
- Enter Artwork Dimensions: Measure the width and height of your photograph or artwork and enter these values into the ‘Artwork Width’ and ‘Artwork Height’ fields.
- Specify Mat Width: Decide how wide you want the mat border to be. Enter this value in the ‘Mat Border Width’ field. A value of ‘0’ means you are not using a mat.
- Enter Frame Width: Measure the width of the frame material (the moulding) and input it into the ‘Frame Moulding Width’ field.
- Review Your Results: The calculator instantly provides the Total Outer Frame Dimensions, the Glass/Inner Frame Size, and the Mat Opening Size. The visual diagram and summary table also update in real time.
Key Factors That Affect Picture Frame Size
- Aspect Ratio: The ratio of the artwork’s width to its height influences the overall shape. A very wide or tall piece may require different mat proportions to look balanced.
- Visual Weight of the Frame: A thick, dark, or ornate frame adds visual weight and can make the entire piece look larger. A thin, simple frame has a more minimal impact. This is a key part of gallery wall design principles.
- Mat or No Mat: Adding a mat significantly increases the final dimensions. A common rule is for the mat to be wider than the frame moulding to create a professional look.
- Wall Space: The final framed size must fit comfortably in its intended display area. Measure your wall space before committing to a large frame.
- Rabbet Depth: The rabbet is the inner lip of the frame that holds the glass, mat, and artwork. A deeper rabbet is needed for projects with double mats or thick artwork. Our calculator assumes a standard depth.
- Bottom-Weighting the Mat: For a more classic, professional appearance, some framers make the bottom border of the mat slightly wider than the top and sides. This visual trick prevents the artwork from looking like it’s sliding down.
- Overlap: A frame’s rabbet will typically cover about 1/4 inch (or 0.5 cm) of the mat or artwork edge. Professional mat cutters account for this by making the mat opening slightly smaller than the artwork. Our picture frame size calculator shows the full artwork size for simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I don’t want to use a mat?
Simply enter ‘0’ in the ‘Mat Border Width’ field. The calculator will then compute the frame dimensions based on the artwork size directly.
How do I convert between inches and centimeters?
Our calculator does this for you! Just select your desired unit from the dropdown menu. For manual conversion, 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters.
What is the “Inner Frame Size”?
This is the dimension of the frame’s opening at the back, also known as the rabbet dimension. It’s the size of the glass and backing board you will need to buy or cut.
Are the calculated dimensions exact?
Yes, the math is exact. However, frame rabbets typically cover about 1/4 inch of the edge of your artwork/mat. Professional framers often cut the mat opening slightly smaller than the art to account for this. Consider our results a guide for purchasing materials. You can learn more with our guide on DIY framing basics.
Why do some people make the bottom mat border wider?
This technique, called “bottom-weighting,” is an optical illusion trick. It gives the artwork a visually stable base and prevents it from appearing to slide down inside the frame.
What’s a standard mat width?
There’s no single standard, but a common range is between 2 and 3.5 inches. The mat should almost always be wider than the frame moulding itself for a balanced look. Larger pieces of art can handle wider mats.
How does a picture frame size calculator help with standard frame sizes?
By entering your art size and a desired mat width, you can adjust the mat width until the “Inner Frame Size” result matches a common, off-the-shelf frame size (like 11×14, 16×20, etc.), potentially saving you money on custom framing. Exploring standard frame sizes can be very helpful.
Where do I measure on my artwork?
Measure the exact dimensions of the part of the image you want to be visible. Do not include any white borders on the paper unless you want them to show inside the mat opening.