What Picture Frame Size Really Means
When you see a frame labeled 8 x 10, 16 x 20, or any other size, that dimension almost always describes the size of the artwork or mat that fits inside the frame, not the outer size of the frame itself. In other words, an 8 x 10 frame is designed to hold 8 x 10 artwork or an 8 x 10 mat.
On WebPictureFrames.com, the size you enter when building a custom frame is the size of the item that goes in the frame opening. That might be:
- The exact size of your photo or print
- The outside size of your mat board
- The size of your stretched canvas
- The size of your mounted artwork or board
The frame moulding itself adds extra width and height around that opening. If you need to know the overall outside size of the frame for a tight wall space, WebPictureFrames can help you calculate that after you choose a specific moulding profile.
For a deeper explanation of frame openings, rabbets, and how sizing works, see: How To Measure Artwork For A Custom Picture Frame.
Standard Photo Frame Sizes
These sizes match common photo prints from labs and home printers. If you are framing family photos, school pictures, or everyday snapshots, you will likely choose one of these frame sizes.
| Frame Size (inches) | Typical Use | Shop This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 6 | Standard small photo size for albums and tabletop frames. | Shop 4 x 6 frames |
| 5 x 7 | Great for portraits and gift frames on desks or shelves. | Shop 5 x 7 frames |
| 8 x 10 | Popular for wall photos and small art prints. | Shop 8 x 10 frames |
| 8.5 x 11 | Letter size documents, certificates, and awards. | Shop 8.5 x 11 frames |
| 11 x 14 | Classic enlargement size for portraits and artwork. | Shop 11 x 14 frames |
You can order any of these sizes as a simple frame only, or build a complete package with mat, backing, and acrylic glazing: Start a custom wood frame.
Standard Art And Print Sizes
Many art papers, giclee prints, and posters follow a set of standard sizes. These frame sizes are ideal for fine art, photography, and reproductions that you plan to display on the wall.
| Frame Size (inches) | Common Uses | Shop This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 9 x 12 | Small originals, watercolor studies, and sketchbook art. | Shop 9 x 12 frames |
| 11 x 14 | Versatile size for prints and small posters. | Shop 11 x 14 frames |
| 12 x 16 | Popular for European paper sizes and art reproductions. | Shop 12 x 16 frames |
| 16 x 20 | Very common for medium sized artwork and photography. | Shop 16 x 20 frames |
| 18 x 24 | Posters, travel prints, and large photographic prints. | Shop 18 x 24 frames |
| 24 x 36 | Large posters and statement pieces for living rooms and offices. | Shop 24 x 36 frames |
If your print does not match one of these sizes exactly, you can either order a custom frame to the exact dimensions of your paper, or use a custom mat to adapt an odd size into a standard frame. Learn how to design a mat package here: Custom Mat Design Guide.
Poster Frame Sizes
Posters are typically printed in larger sizes. These frame sizes are ideal for movie posters, travel posters, maps, and large prints that become focal points in a room.
| Frame Size (inches) | Typical Poster Type | Shop This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 11 x 17 | Mini posters, signs, and event flyers. | Shop 11 x 17 frames |
| 18 x 24 | Standard poster size for art and promotional prints. | Shop 18 x 24 frames |
| 20 x 24 | Art prints and photography with more square proportions. | Shop 20 x 24 frames |
| 24 x 36 | Very common one sheet movie poster size and large wall art. | Shop 24 x 36 frames |
| 27 x 40 | Modern movie posters and theatrical displays. | Shop 27 x 40 frames |
For large poster frames, many customers prefer simple profiles that do not overpower the artwork. Browse options here: Natural Wood Picture Frames.
Square Frame Sizes
Square frames work beautifully for Instagram style photos, contemporary art, and layouts where you want strong symmetry on the wall. WebPictureFrames can build square frames in almost any size.
| Frame Size (inches) | Common Uses | Shop This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8 x 8 | Small square photos and illustration prints. | Shop 8 x 8 frames |
| 10 x 10 | Instagram photos and small square canvas boards. | Shop 10 x 10 frames |
| 12 x 12 | Record album covers and square art prints. | Shop 12 x 12 frames |
| 16 x 16 | Gallery walls and medium square art. | Shop 16 x 16 frames |
| 20 x 20 | Feature art pieces and bold modern designs. | Shop 20 x 20 frames |
| 24 x 24 | Large square artwork for living rooms and offices. | Shop 24 x 24 frames |
Panoramic Frame Sizes
Panoramic frames are longer in one direction and are perfect for landscapes, skyline photos, and extra wide artworks. Many photographers and artists design specifically for these dramatic proportions.
| Frame Size (inches) | Typical Subject | Shop This Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 12 | Small panoramic photos and typography pieces. | Shop 4 x 12 frames |
| 5 x 15 | Wide photo strips and decorative prints. | Shop 5 x 15 frames |
| 8 x 24 | City skyline photos and long landscapes. | Shop 8 x 24 frames |
| 10 x 30 | Large panoramic photography and wide art prints. | Shop 10 x 30 frames |
| 12 x 36 | Oversized panoramas and statement landscape pieces. | Shop 12 x 36 frames |
Many panoramic artworks are printed on canvas. For stretched canvas, consider: Canvas Floater Frames, which show the canvas edges and create a shadow line between the art and the frame.
Custom Frame Sizes At WebPictureFrames
While this guide lists many popular picture frame sizes, your artwork does not have to match one of these dimensions. WebPictureFrames specializes in custom wood picture frames and canvas floater frames built to your exact measurements.
When you configure a frame, you simply enter:
- The exact width of your artwork or mat.
- The exact height of your artwork or mat.
- Whether you are framing paper, board, or canvas.
- Any options such as mats, backing, and acrylic glazing.
Our production team cuts each frame to size, so you get a professional fit without having to trim your artwork. In many cases we can size to 1/16 inch precision.
To get started, visit: Custom Wood Picture Frames or Canvas Floater Frames.
How To Measure Artwork For A Custom Picture Frame
Accurate measurements are the key to a frame that looks good and protects your artwork. Here is the basic process used by professional framers.
- Place your artwork on a clean, flat surface.
- Use a rigid tape measure or metal ruler, not a flexible cloth tape.
- Measure the width of the art at the widest point, in inches.
- Measure the height of the art at the tallest point, in inches.
- Round to the nearest 1/16 inch if possible.
- Write the width and height clearly, for example 11 3/16 x 14 1/2.
- Use these numbers as the frame size when you order.
If you plan to use a mat, you will instead size the frame to the outside dimensions of the mat board. The mat opening is cut a little smaller than the artwork so the edges are overlapped.
For step by step photos and illustrations, read: How To Measure Artwork For A Custom Picture Frame.
If you are framing a delicate paper print, also see: How To Frame A Paper Print Without Damaging It.
Choosing Frame Sizes By Subject
The subject of your artwork and where it will hang can also guide your frame size choice. Here are some quick ideas based on what you are framing.
Photos And Family Portraits
- Small spaces and tabletops: 4 x 6, 5 x 7, or 8 x 10 frames.
- Gallery walls: a mix of 8 x 10, 11 x 14, and 16 x 20 frames.
- Feature wall portrait: 16 x 20 or 20 x 24 frame, often with a mat.
Fine Art Prints And Originals
- Studies and sketches: 9 x 12 or 11 x 14 frames.
- Medium artworks: 12 x 16 or 16 x 20 frames.
- Statement pieces: 18 x 24, 20 x 24, or 24 x 36 frames.
Posters And Large Graphics
- Smaller posters: 11 x 17 or 18 x 24 frames.
- Movie posters: 24 x 36 or 27 x 40 frames.
- Oversized wall art: 24 x 36 and larger custom sizes.
Canvas Art
For stretched canvas, select a frame that matches the exact canvas size. Canvas floater frames are designed to show a gap between the canvas and the frame, giving a museum style look that works well for modern and traditional paintings.
Learn more in: Floater Picture Frames Complete Guide.
Picture Frame Size FAQ
What does picture frame size mean?
Picture frame size usually refers to the size of the artwork or mat the frame is built to hold, not the outer size of the frame. An 8 x 10 frame is designed for 8 x 10 artwork or an 8 x 10 mat.
What are the most common picture frame sizes?
Some of the most common sizes are 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 8 x 10, 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 18 x 24, and 24 x 36 inches. These align with standard photo and paper sizes, so they are widely available and easy to frame.
Can WebPictureFrames make any custom size frame?
Yes. WebPictureFrames can build custom frames to your exact width and height within the limits of each moulding profile. You are not limited to standard sizes, which is especially helpful for original art, odd sized prints, and canvas.
How accurate do my measurements need to be?
Closer is better. For professional results, measure to the nearest 1/16 inch. If you round, be consistent and write down the exact numbers you enter when you order your frame.
Should I size the frame to my art or to my mat?
If you are using a mat, you typically size the frame to the outside dimensions of the mat board. The mat opening is cut slightly smaller than your art so the edges are neatly covered.
What frame size should I choose for canvas?
For stretched canvas, you will usually match the frame size to the width and height of the canvas stretcher bars. For a canvas floater frame, you may add a small reveal so there is a visible space between the canvas edge and the inside of the frame.
When you are ready, you can build your frame here: Custom Wood Picture Frames or Canvas Floater Frames.
