Picture Frame Sizes: Standard Dimensions with Mat Openings
Standard picture frame sizes follow standard photo print sizes, with the most common being 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 18 x 24, 20 x 24, and 24 x 36 inches. When a mat is used, the frame accommodates a print one standard size smaller — for example, an 11 x 14 frame with a mat fits an 8 x 10 photo with a mat opening of approximately 7.5 x 9.5 inches. All dimensions below are for the frame’s inner opening (the area that holds the contents), not the outer frame dimensions, which vary by frame style and molding width.
Standard Frame Sizes with Mat Openings
The table below shows each standard frame size, the photo size it fits with and without a mat, and the typical mat opening dimensions.
| Frame Size (in) | Frame Size (mm) | Fits Without Mat | Fits With Mat | Mat Opening (in) | Mat Border Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | 102 x 152 | 4 x 6 photo | 2.5 x 3.5 photo | 2 x 3 | ~1 inch |
| 5 x 7 | 127 x 178 | 5 x 7 photo | 3.5 x 5 photo | 3 x 4.5 | ~1 inch |
| 8 x 10 | 203 x 254 | 8 x 10 photo | 5 x 7 photo | 4.5 x 6.5 | ~1.5 inches |
| 11 x 14 | 279 x 356 | 11 x 14 photo/print | 8 x 10 photo | 7.5 x 9.5 | ~1.5-2 inches |
| 16 x 20 | 406 x 508 | 16 x 20 print | 11 x 14 photo | 10.5 x 13.5 | ~2.5-3 inches |
| 18 x 24 | 457 x 610 | 18 x 24 print/poster | 12 x 18 or 13 x 19 print | 11.5 x 17.5 | ~2.5-3 inches |
| 20 x 24 | 508 x 610 | 20 x 24 print | 16 x 20 print | 15.5 x 19.5 | ~2-2.5 inches |
| 24 x 36 | 610 x 914 | 24 x 36 poster | 20 x 30 print | 19.5 x 29.5 | ~2-3 inches |
Key: The mat opening is always slightly smaller than the photo it holds (by about 0.25 inches on each side) so the mat overlaps the photo edges and holds it securely in place. This overlap is called the mat reveal or mat lip.
How Mats Work
A mat (also called a mount in British English) is a flat piece of matboard with a window cut in it. The mat sits between the glass and the artwork inside the frame.
Mat Anatomy
- Mat border — The visible portion of the mat surrounding the window opening. Standard border width is 2 to 2.5 inches per side for most frame sizes.
- Mat opening (window) — The cut-out area through which the image is visible. This is cut slightly smaller than the photo to create a 0.25-inch overlap on all sides.
- Mat lip (reveal overlap) — The 0.25-inch overlap on each side where the mat covers the photo’s edges. This holds the photo in position and hides any uneven print edges.
- Mat depth — Standard matboard is approximately 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick. For additional depth and a more pronounced shadow line, conservation framers use double mats (two layers), bringing the total thickness to about 1/8 inch (3.2 mm).
How to Calculate Mat Opening Size
To find the mat opening for any photo size:
Mat opening = Photo size minus 0.5 inches (0.25 inch overlap on each side)
For a 5 x 7 photo: mat opening = 4.5 x 6.5 inches. For an 8 x 10 photo: mat opening = 7.5 x 9.5 inches.
Mat Border Width by Frame Size
The visible mat border is determined by the frame size minus the mat opening, divided by two:
| Frame Size | Photo Size (with mat) | Mat Opening | Visible Mat Border (per side) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 | 5 x 7 | 4.5 x 6.5 | 1.75 in (top/bottom), 1.75 in (sides) |
| 11 x 14 | 8 x 10 | 7.5 x 9.5 | 1.75 in (top/bottom), 2.25 in (sides) |
| 16 x 20 | 11 x 14 | 10.5 x 13.5 | 2.75 in (top/bottom), 3.25 in (sides) |
| 18 x 24 | 12 x 18 | 11.5 x 17.5 | 3.25 in (top/bottom), 3.25 in (sides) |
| 24 x 36 | 20 x 30 | 19.5 x 29.5 | 2.25 in (top/bottom), 3.25 in (sides) |
Mat border widths that are too narrow (under 1.5 inches) look cramped and unprofessional. Borders that are too wide (over 4 inches) can overwhelm the image. The 2-to-3-inch range is the sweet spot for most frame sizes.
Choosing Frame Size: With or Without a Mat
When to Use a Mat
- Photographs and fine art prints. A mat elevates the presentation and prevents the artwork from touching the glass, which is important for archival preservation.
- Small to medium prints (up to 16 x 20). Mats add visual weight and make smaller prints look more substantial on a wall.
- Gallery walls and formal displays. Consistent mat borders create a cohesive, professional appearance when grouping multiple framed pieces.
- Works on paper. Watercolors, drawings, and prints on uncoated paper should always be matted to prevent moisture contact with the glass.
When to Skip the Mat
- Large prints and posters (24 x 36 and above). Very large prints often look best filling the frame completely. A mat on a 24 x 36 frame would require an even larger frame, adding significant cost and wall space.
- Canvas prints. Canvas is typically displayed without a frame or in a floater frame, neither of which uses a mat.
- Contemporary and minimalist style. Frameless or matless framing creates a clean, modern look where the image extends to the frame edge.
- Budget framing. Eliminating the mat reduces cost and allows you to use a frame that matches the print size exactly.
Sizing Rules
With a mat: Choose a frame one standard size larger than your print. An 8 x 10 print goes in an 11 x 14 frame. An 11 x 14 print goes in a 16 x 20 frame.
Without a mat: Choose a frame that matches your print size exactly. An 8 x 10 print goes in an 8 x 10 frame. Order pre-cut mats if the standard pairing does not match your print.
Frame Materials and Styles
Frame material affects the look, weight, durability, and cost of the finished piece. Here is a comparison of the most common frame materials.
| Material | Weight | Durability | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | Medium-heavy | High | $$ - $$$$ | Traditional, rustic, gallery-quality framing |
| MDF/Composite | Medium | Medium | $ - $$ | Budget framing, uniform finish |
| Metal (aluminum) | Light | High | $$ - $$$ | Modern, minimalist, large prints |
| Plastic/Polystyrene | Light | Low-medium | $ | Temporary displays, bulk framing |
Common Frame Styles
- Gallery frame — Simple, flat profile (0.5-1 inch wide), usually black, white, or natural wood. The most versatile style for modern interiors.
- Ornate/Traditional — Wide molding (2-4 inches) with carved or gilded details. Suited for formal settings, oil paintings, and classic decor.
- Shadow box — Deep frame (1-2 inches) designed to display three-dimensional objects or art with dimension.
- Floater frame — An L-shaped channel that holds a canvas panel with a visible gap between the canvas edge and the frame, creating a floating effect.
- Frameless (clip frame) — Glass held against a backing board by clips, with no visible frame. Ultra-minimal and inexpensive.
Standard Frame Sizes by Use Case
Different types of artwork and display contexts call for different frame sizes.
| Use Case | Recommended Frame Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wallet/desk photos | 4 x 6, 5 x 7 | Small desk or shelf display |
| Family portraits | 8 x 10, 11 x 14 | With mat for formal display |
| Gallery wall (mixed) | 5 x 7 through 16 x 20 | Mix sizes for visual interest |
| Art prints | 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 18 x 24 | With mat for gallery-quality presentation |
| Movie/concert posters | 24 x 36 | Standard poster size, usually without mat |
| Diplomas/certificates | 8.5 x 11, 11 x 14 | Document frames, with or without mat |
| Large wall focal point | 20 x 24, 24 x 36 | Above sofa or mantel |
Glass and Glazing Options
The glass (or acrylic glazing) protects the artwork from dust, moisture, and UV damage.
| Glazing Type | UV Protection | Glare | Weight | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular glass | Minimal | High | Heavy | $ |
| Non-glare glass | Minimal | Low (matte) | Heavy | $$ |
| UV-filtering glass | 97-99% | Moderate-high | Heavy | $$$ |
| Museum glass | 97-99% | Very low | Heavy | $$$$ |
| Standard acrylic (plexiglass) | Moderate | High | Light | $$ |
| UV-filtering acrylic | 97-99% | Moderate | Light | $$$ |
For frames 18 x 24 and larger, acrylic is generally preferred over glass because of its lighter weight and shatter resistance. Museum glass provides the best combination of UV protection and clarity but is significantly more expensive.
For archival framing of valuable artwork or photographs, use UV-filtering glass or acrylic, acid-free matboard, and acid-free backing board. This combination protects against fading, discoloration, and acid deterioration over decades.
Measurement Tips
When measuring for a frame, keep these points in mind:
- Measure the artwork, not the frame you want. Start with the dimensions of the photo, print, or document you want to frame. Then choose a frame to fit.
- Frame sizes refer to the inner opening. An 8 x 10 frame has an 8 x 10 inch opening. The outer dimensions are larger, depending on the molding width.
- Account for mat overlap. If using a mat, your visible image area is reduced by about 0.5 inches in each dimension (0.25-inch overlap on each side).
- Check depth for thick items. Standard frames accommodate a stack of glass + mat + print + backing, typically about 0.25-0.375 inches total. Shadow box frames offer greater depth for three-dimensional items.
For exact conversions of common frame sizes to centimeters, see 11 x 14 in cm and 8 x 10 in cm.
Related Guides
- Standard Photo Print Sizes — Dimensions for all common photo print sizes
- Canvas Print Sizes — Standard canvas dimensions and resolution requirements
- 11 x 14 in cm — Convert 11 x 14 inches to centimeters
- 8 x 10 in cm — Convert 8 x 10 inches to centimeters
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common picture frame sizes?
The most common picture frame sizes are 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, and 16 x 20 inches. Of these, 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 are the most widely sold. These sizes correspond to standard photo print sizes, making it easy to find both frames and prints that match.
What size photo fits in an 8x10 frame with a mat?
An 8 x 10 inch frame with a standard mat fits a 5 x 7 inch photo. The mat opening is typically 4.5 x 6.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than the photo to hold it in place by overlapping approximately 0.25 inches on each side.
What size photo fits in a 16x20 frame with a mat?
A 16 x 20 inch frame with a standard mat fits an 11 x 14 inch photo. The mat opening is typically 10.5 x 13.5 inches, with approximately 2.5-3 inches of mat border visible on each side.
Do I need a mat in my picture frame?
A mat is not required but is recommended for most framed photos and prints. Mats serve three purposes: they create visual breathing room between the image and frame, they prevent the artwork from touching the glass (which can cause moisture damage and sticking over time), and they add a professional, polished appearance. For casual or contemporary displays, going without a mat is perfectly acceptable.
What is the standard mat border width?
The standard mat border width is 2 to 2.5 inches on all four sides. For larger frames (16 x 20 and above), mat borders of 2.5 to 3 inches are common. Some framers use a slightly wider bottom border (0.25-0.5 inches wider than the sides and top) for a weighted appearance, though equal borders on all sides is the modern standard.