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.