Picture frame sizes chart
An 8x10 print sits in an 11x14 frame with a mat window of about 7.5 × 9.5 inches.
Standard picture frame sizes
A frame is sold by the size of the picture or mat it holds (the rebate opening), not its outside size. The outside is larger by the width of the moulding. The last column is the mat window that holds a print of that size behind the mat, assuming a 1/4 inch overlap at each edge, which is a common framing convention.
| Frame size (in) | mm | cm | Window for a print of this size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 | 102 × 152 | 10.2 × 15.2 | 3.5 × 5.5 |
| 5 × 7 | 127 × 178 | 12.7 × 17.8 | 4.5 × 6.5 |
| 6 × 8 | 152 × 203 | 15.2 × 20.3 | 5.5 × 7.5 |
| 8 × 10 | 203 × 254 | 20.3 × 25.4 | 7.5 × 9.5 |
| 8.5 × 11 | 216 × 279 | 21.6 × 27.9 | 8 × 10.5 |
| 11 × 14 | 279 × 356 | 27.9 × 35.6 | 10.5 × 13.5 |
| 12 × 16 | 305 × 406 | 30.5 × 40.6 | 11.5 × 15.5 |
| 12 × 18 | 305 × 457 | 30.5 × 45.7 | 11.5 × 17.5 |
| 16 × 20 | 406 × 508 | 40.6 × 50.8 | 15.5 × 19.5 |
| 18 × 24 | 457 × 610 | 45.7 × 61 | 17.5 × 23.5 |
| 20 × 24 | 508 × 610 | 50.8 × 61 | 19.5 × 23.5 |
| 24 × 36 | 610 × 914 | 61 × 91.4 | 23.5 × 35.5 |
Which print in which frame, with a mat
| Frame | Mat window | Visible mat border | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 | 8 × 10 in | 3.5 × 5.5 in | 2.25 in side, 2.25 in top/bottom |
| 5 × 7 | 8 × 10 in | 4.5 × 6.5 in | 1.75 in side, 1.75 in top/bottom |
| 5 × 7 | 11 × 14 in | 4.5 × 6.5 in | 3.25 in side, 3.75 in top/bottom |
| 8 × 10 | 11 × 14 in | 7.5 × 9.5 in | 1.75 in side, 2.25 in top/bottom |
| 8 × 10 | 12 × 16 in | 7.5 × 9.5 in | 2.25 in side, 3.25 in top/bottom |
| 11 × 14 | 16 × 20 in | 10.5 × 13.5 in | 2.75 in side, 3.25 in top/bottom |
| 16 × 20 | 20 × 24 in | 15.5 × 19.5 in | 2.25 in side, 2.25 in top/bottom |
| 8 × 12 | 12 × 18 in | 7.5 × 11.5 in | 2.25 in side, 3.25 in top/bottom |
These are retail conventions, not a standard. The mat window is smaller than the print by about 1/2 inch in each direction. A mat with a wider bottom border is common; the numbers show equal borders.
Metric and A-size frames
| Frame | Inches | Nearest inch size | Mat window for a print of this size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 8.27 × 11.69 in | 8 × 12 | 197 × 284 |
| A3 | 11.69 × 16.54 in | 12 × 16 | 284 × 407 |
| A2 | 16.54 × 23.39 in | 16 × 24 | 407 × 581 |
| A1 | 23.39 × 33.11 in | 24 × 36 | 581 × 828 |
| 30x40 cm | 11.81 × 15.75 in | 12 × 16 | 287 × 387 |
| 40x50 cm | 15.75 × 19.69 in | 16 × 20 | 387 × 487 |
| 50x70 cm | 19.69 × 27.56 in | 20 × 30 | 487 × 687 |
| 60x80 cm | 23.62 × 31.5 in | 24 × 36 | 587 × 787 |
| 70x100 cm | 27.56 × 39.37 in | 24 × 36 | 687 × 987 |
A4 and A3 frames hold standard A-series paper (A4, A3). The A4 frame (210 × 297 mm) is not the same as a US Letter frame (215.9 × 279.4 mm); an A4 sheet does not fit a Letter frame and a Letter sheet leaves 17.6 mm of empty frame in an A4 one.
Measuring a frame
- Take the size of the glass or the rebate (the lip that holds the picture), not the outer edge of the moulding.
- If the frame has a mat, the stated size is the mat outer size and the window is smaller.
- Photos printed on 4:3 or 3:2 shapes often do not match the frame shape. Check print sizes for the shape of each, and pick a frame that suits, or add a mat to absorb the difference.
Frequently asked questions
What size frame for an 8x10 photo?
An 8x10 frame without a mat, or an 11x14 frame with a mat whose window is about 7.5 x 9.5 inches.
What size frame for a 4x6 photo?
A 4x6 frame, or a 5x7 or 8x10 frame with a mat.
What size frame for A4?
An A4 frame (210 x 297 mm) without a mat, or an A3 frame with a mat.
What size is an 11x14 frame in cm?
27.94 x 35.56 cm.
Is a frame size the outside size?
No. Frames are sold by the size of the picture or mat they hold. The outside is larger by the width of the moulding.