Picture frame sizes: a chart in inches, centimeters and A sizes
A frame's size is named after the picture it holds, not its outside edge. Here are the common sizes, and the one measurement to take before you plan a wall.
- “8 × 10 frame” means it holds an 8 × 10 in picture; the outside is larger.
- For planning and hanging, use the outside dimensions.
- A mat makes the frame bigger again: an 8 × 10 photo is often framed in an 11 × 14.
Common US frame sizes
| Size | In cm | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 10.2 × 15.2 cm | Snapshots, small groupings |
| 5 × 7 in | 12.7 × 17.8 cm | Photos, small prints |
| 8 × 10 in | 20.3 × 25.4 cm | Portraits, prints |
| 8.5 × 11 in | 21.6 × 27.9 cm | Letter-size prints, certificates |
| 11 × 14 in | 27.9 × 35.6 cm | Prints, matted 8 × 10s |
| 12 × 16 in | 30.5 × 40.6 cm | Art prints |
| 16 × 20 in | 40.6 × 50.8 cm | Prints, matted 11 × 14s |
| 18 × 24 in | 45.7 × 61.0 cm | Posters, statement prints |
| 24 × 36 in | 61.0 × 91.4 cm | Large posters |
Common metric frame sizes
| Size | In inches |
|---|---|
| 10 × 15 cm | 3.9 × 5.9 in |
| 13 × 18 cm | 5.1 × 7.1 in |
| 18 × 24 cm | 7.1 × 9.4 in |
| 20 × 30 cm | 7.9 × 11.8 in |
| 24 × 30 cm | 9.4 × 11.8 in |
| 30 × 40 cm | 11.8 × 15.7 in |
| 40 × 50 cm | 15.7 × 19.7 in |
| 50 × 70 cm | 19.7 × 27.6 in |
| 70 × 100 cm | 27.6 × 39.4 in |
A-series paper sizes (ISO 216)
| Size | mm | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 5.8 × 8.3 in |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 16.5 × 23.4 in |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 23.4 × 33.1 in |
Common matted pairings
| Picture | Frame with a mat |
|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 5 × 7 or 8 × 10 in |
| 5 × 7 in | 8 × 10 or 11 × 14 in |
| 8 × 10 in | 11 × 14 in |
| 11 × 14 in | 16 × 20 in |
| A4 | 30 × 40 cm |
| A3 | 40 × 50 cm |
Mat openings are slightly smaller than the picture so the mat overlaps its edges; check the opening size for your frame.
Plan with the outside dimensions
The size on the label is the picture size. The moulding adds its width on every side: an 8 × 10 in frame with a 1 in (2.5 cm) moulding is about 10 × 12 in (25.4 × 30.5 cm) outside. On a gallery wall with 2–3 in gaps, that difference decides whether the layout fits.
So for a gallery wall, measure each frame across its outside edges, then measure its hanger. Both numbers feed into spacing and into the nail positions.
Questions
What are standard picture frame sizes?
In the US: 4 × 6, 5 × 7, 8 × 10, 11 × 14, 16 × 20, 18 × 24 and 24 × 36 in. In metric: 13 × 18, 18 × 24, 30 × 40, 40 × 50, 50 × 70 and 70 × 100 cm, plus A-series sizes such as A4 and A3.
Is frame size the inside or outside measurement?
The named size is the picture (inside) size. The outside is larger by the moulding width on each side.
What size frame do I need for an 8 × 10 photo with a mat?
Usually an 11 × 14 in frame.
What frame fits an A4 print?
An A4 frame without a mat, or a 30 × 40 cm frame with a mat.