Picture Frame Dimensions Explained
You would think this was a simple topic but unfortunately it is not. We get lots of questions about this so I thought I would try to spread some information.
Artwork size: this is the size of your image and not necessarily the paper. For instance, an 8×10 from a photo lab will usually be 8×10 but you might print an 8×10 at home on 8.5×11 paper.
Mat exact opening: This is the dimension of the hole cut in the mat. A typical store bought ready made frame for an 8×10 photo will have a mat opening of 7.5×9.5 so that it will overlap the image by ¼ inch on all 4 sides. This allows the mat to help hold the image down. Mats cut by custom frame shops will usually have an opening of 7.75×9.75 so there is less masking of the image.
Mat external size: A mat used to mount an 8×10 image in an 11×14 frame will have an external size of exactly 11×14 +/- 1/16 inch.
Frame size: This one is trickier. In the case of an 11×14 frame used to frame an 8×10 image the frame might be referred to as 8×10 or 11×14 frame size assuming the complete frame package contains the appropriate mat. An 11×14 frame with no mat will always be an 11×14 frame. So is the actual frame dimension 11×14 or 8×10? The answer is neither. If the frame size (not mat opening) is 11×14 then it is referring to the inside dimension, however the frame will be cut a little larger, typically 1/8 inch. That allows room for the glass, mounting board and mat to fit without binding. It also allows for up to 1/16 inch error on the mat and glass dimension as well as for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Outside frame size: This dimension is the very outside of the frame. It is seldom referred to unless you are concerned about placing the frame in a limited space. An 11×14 frame might actually have an external dimension of 14×17 if the moulding is 1 and ½ inches wide.
Rabit depth: This is the dimension tells you how much room you have inside the frame for mat board, glass, and mount board. Some frame mouldings are not deep enough to allow a double mat or an 8-ply mat to fit.
Hi! I am having major issues in this department lol. My husband is an artist. His work is 11” x 14” what size frame would look right with his work? I am gonna put a 1 or 2 ” mat on it.
Adina, Our standard size mat for 11×14 has equal 3 inch borders resulting in a 17×20 frame size. We also have a one that takes 11×14 to a standard 16×20 frame if you want to use an off the shelf picture frame. I would not recommend a 1″ mat border since the frame over laps it a little and will look too thin. 2″ is ok and select “custom” on our website and just enter in the opening of 10 3/4 x 13 3/4 and borders of 2-1/8″ resulting in a 15×18 frame.
http://www.framedestination.com/
Cheers,
Mark
Where can you get frames that are deep enough to hold double mats?
Kitty,
Most of our frames are deep enough for double mats. Any frame with a 3/8 inch rabbet can handle a double mat.
I would like to know what the ratio of the picture to both the mat and the frame should be. Thank you.
Linea, I am afraid mat border size is very subjective and personal choice depending on what kind of art and picture frame you are hanging and where you are hanging it at. If you have little wall space, or want to save money on the frame cost smaller borders will help you with that. If you want more of a gallery look to the framing package or you will be displaying it in an actual gallery with high ceilings and large walls then 4 inch and larger borders will look good. You can get an idea of some typical choices for various sizes of artwork by looking at our list of standard picture frame sizes.