What Are the Frame and Mat Dimensions for Common Print Sizes?
Art comes in many shapes and sizes. But when we’re talking about photographs and art prints, there are certain popular dimensions of art that make it easier to find a way to display it.
If you’re framing your prints without a mat board, finding a frame is easy. The frame size — the measurement of the inside opening of the frame — is the same as the print, so a 5 x 7 print will fit in a 5 x 7 frame. Photo and art prints are often matted, however, which adds another dimension to your framing project.
Instead of measuring and figuring out the right dimensions of the frame and the mat board yourself, refer to our list of the most common mat opening and frame sizes based on your print or photograph.
Photo and Art Prints: Standard Print Sizes and Frames
Fine art photography and other types of professional art — whether bought at an art fair, gallery show or directly from the artist — are often sold in just a few sizes, and there are customary mat board and frame sizes for all of them.
Instead of measuring and figuring out the right dimensions of the frame and the mat board yourself, you can refer to our list of the most common mat opening and frame sizes based on the size of your print or photograph.
Note that for prints measuring 18 x 24 inches and under, Frame Destination cuts the mat window 1/8 inch smaller than the print, allowing for more of the image to show through. Standard, off-the-shelf frames and other frame shops may cut the mats 1/4 inch smaller. The suggestions listed below use Frame Destination mat cutting standards.
| Standard Frame Size | Mat Opening | Print Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 | 4.5 x 6.5 | 5 x 7 |
| 11 x 14 | 7.5 x 9.5 | 8 x 10 |
| 16 x 20 | 10.5 x 13.5 | 11 x 14 |
| 20 x 24 | 15.5 x 19.5 | 16 x 20 |
| 24 x 36 | 19.5 x 29.5 | 20 x 30 |
| 30 x 40 | 21.5 x 31.5 | 22 x 32 |
Sizing FAQs
When it comes to choosing a frame size for a print, there is no shortage of options. We've put together a list of the most common questions we see around each print size.
What Size Frame for a 5 x 7 Print?
You would need a 8 x 10 or 11 x 14 size frame.
What Size Frame for an 8 x 10 Print?
You would need a 11 x 14 or 16 x 20 size frame.
What Size Frame for a 9 x 12 Print?
You would need a 11 x 14 or 16 x 20 size frame.
What Size Frame for an 11 x 14 Print?
You would need a 16 x 20 size frame.
What Size Frame for a 16 x 20 Print?
You would need a 20 x 24 size frame.
What Size Frame for a 12 x 16 Print?
You would need a 12 x 16 frame without mat and a 16 x 20 with mat.
What Size Frame for a 16 x 24 Poster?
You would need a 16 x 24 size frame without mat and a 24 x 32 with mat.
What Size Frame for a 11 x 17 Print?
You would need a 11 x 17 size frame without mat and a 14 x 20 with mat.
Print Sizes: What Common Size Art Prints Sell Best?
Because art prints are reproductions of original work, the print sizes (like photography prints) are generally similar. If you’re buying art prints from countries other than the United States, you may encounter unfamiliar sizing like A2, A3, A4, and so on.
Standard Art Print Sizes (U.S.)
- 5 x 7
- 6 x 8
- 8 x 10
- 11 x 14
- 12 × 12
- 12 × 16
- 14 × 14
- 12 × 18
- 16 × 16
- 16 × 20
The art print sizes in the chart below are part of the A series in the ISO 216 standard, which is a standard used extensively around the world — but not in the U.S. The measurements are listed below, along with conversion to inches and corresponding Frame Destination artwork and frame size.
There are no standard U.S. frame sizes that exactly match these ISO 216 paper sizes, so a custom frame is the best way to get a perfect fit. However, there are also “close enough” standard frame sizes that may work with your artwork. Note that some sizes may still be hard to find or too large for the type of art you’re displaying.
| Artwork Size | Mat Opening | Frame Size (Inner Dimensions) |
|---|---|---|
| A2 420 mm x 594 mm 16.5 x 23.4 (16 1/2 x 23 7/16) | 16 1/4 x 23 3/16 | 21 1/2 x 29 7/16 Close Enough: 22 x 30 |
| A3 297 mm x 420 mm 11.7 x 16.5 (11 3/4 x 16 1/2) | 11 1/2 x 16 1/4 | 16 3/4 x 22 1/2 Close Enough: 18 x 24 |
| A4 210 x 297 mm 8.3 x 11.7 (8 5/16 x 11 3/4) | 8 1/16 x 11 1/2 | 13 5/16 x 17 3/4 Close Enough: 16 x 20 |
| 16 x 24 | 15 3/4 x 23 3/4 | 20 x 28 24 x 32 |
| 20 x 24 | 19 1/2 x 23 1/2 | 24 x 28 28 x 32 |
| 24 x 36 | 23 1/2 x 35 1/2 | 28 x 40 |
Frames for Unique Print Sizes
When you want to frame artwork with a unique size, order a custom frame to get an exact match for your print. Our website’s custom Build-A-Frame™ allows you to enter your artwork size and, using these dimensions, the website automatically calculates the recommended mat window opening and frame size. On our site, you can create a frame up to 40 x 60 inches.
If you need help calculating your custom dimensions, there are tools available online that can convert from metric to imperial measurements and vice versa. You can also contact us at 972-479-1188 or at info@framedestination.com.
Whether you’re working with a common-size photo, an art print, or framing a puzzle, we’re here to help make sure the end result is uncommonly beautiful. To find more information about picture frames sizes see our resource page: Guide to Picture Frame Sizes.
Written by Mark Rogers
Mark Rogers is the President and Co-Founder of Frame Destination. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mark has become a leading authority on framing techniques and best practices, and has earned a reputation for his innovative approaches to custom framing and frame services for photographers and artists.
Updated July 21, 2023