Choosing the right frame size is essential for showcasing your artwork, photos, and prints. While custom sizes are always available, standard frame sizes are often more economical and readily available. Use this comprehensive guide to find the perfect size for your framing needs.
Common Standard Frame Sizes
Small Frames (Perfect for Photos and Small Prints)
- 4×6 inches — Standard photo print size; great for tabletop frames; ideal for snapshots and casual photos; perfect for multi-frame displays.
- 5×7 inches — Popular photo size; excellent for portraits; works well on desks and shelves; common for school photos.
- 8×10 inches — Most popular frame size; versatile for photos and art prints; perfect for wall displays; standard portrait size.
Medium Frames (Ideal for Artwork and Larger Photos)
- 11×14 inches — Common art print size; great for matted 8×10 photos; perfect for home and office displays; popular for certificates and diplomas.
- 12×16 inches — Good for larger art prints; works well for landscape photography; nice size for statement pieces.
- 16×20 inches — Large display size; excellent for poster prints; perfect for matted 11×14 artwork; great focal point in a room.
Large Frames (Statement Pieces and Posters)
- 18×24 inches — Standard poster size; impressive wall statement; common for art reproductions; perfect for matted 16×20 photos.
- 20×24 inches — Large artwork display; professional presentation; good for gallery-style displays.
- 24×36 inches — Movie poster size; major wall statement; excellent for large art prints; requires substantial wall space.
- 27×40 inches — Full-size movie poster; dramatic wall piece; commercial art displays; collector's items and special pieces.
Photo Print Size Chart
Understanding photo print sizes helps you choose frames that fit perfectly without custom sizing:
| Print Size | Common Use | Recommended Frame with Mat |
|---|---|---|
| 4×6" | Standard prints | 5×7" or 8×10" |
| 5×7" | Portraits | 8×10" or 11×14" |
| 8×10" | Wall photos | 11×14" or 16×20" |
| 11×14" | Large prints | 16×20" or 18×24" |
| 16×20" | Statement photos | 20×24" or 24×30" |
Poster and Art Print Sizes
Small Posters: 11×17 inches (Tabloid), 12×18 inches, 16×20 inches.
Medium Posters: 18×24 inches (Architectural D), 20×30 inches, 24×36 inches (Standard movie poster).
Large Posters: 27×40 inches (One-sheet movie poster), 36×48 inches (Large format).
Fine Art Print Sizes: Professional art prints typically come in 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 18×24, 24×30, and 30×40 inches.
Aspect Ratios and Proportions
2:3 Ratio (Most Common Photos): 4×6", 8×12", 12×18", 16×24", 20×30" — Standard DSLR camera format; classic photo proportion.
4:5 Ratio (Portrait Orientation): 8×10", 11×14", 16×20", 20×24" — Common for professional portraits; traditional frame proportion.
5:7 Ratio: 5×7", 10×14", 15×21" — Popular photo print size; slightly narrower than 4:5.
Square Formats: 8×8", 10×10", 12×12", 16×16", 20×20" — Instagram-inspired; modern, contemporary look; great for gallery walls.
Using Mat Boards with Standard Sizes
Mat boards allow you to frame smaller artwork in larger standard frames. Common mat configurations:
- 8×10 frame with mat: 5×7 opening (2" mat on top/sides, 2.5" bottom); 4×6 opening (3" mat on all sides)
- 11×14 frame with mat: 8×10 opening (standard 2–2.5" mat); 5×7 opening (3–4" mat)
- 16×20 frame with mat: 11×14 opening (2.5–3" mat); 8×10 opening (4–5" mat for dramatic effect)
Learn more about mat selection in our mat board guide.
When to Choose Standard vs. Custom Sizes
Choose Standard Sizes When: Your artwork matches a common size exactly; you want the most economical option; you're framing mass-produced prints or posters; you can trim your artwork slightly to fit; you're creating a gallery wall with multiple frames; you need frames quickly.
Choose Custom Sizes When: Your artwork is an irregular or non-standard size; you're framing original artwork that can't be trimmed; standard sizes would require excessive matting; you want exact proportions for a specific space; you're framing valuable or irreplaceable pieces; the artwork has specific dimensional requirements.
International Paper Sizes (ISO Standards)
If you're framing international prints or documents: A-Series (Common in Europe and worldwide) — A4: 8.3×11.7 inches (210×297mm); A3: 11.7×16.5 inches (297×420mm); A2: 16.5×23.4 inches (420×594mm). These don't match US standard frame sizes, so custom framing may be necessary.
Specialty Frame Sizes
Certificate and Diploma Frames: 8.5×11 inches (standard letter size); 11×14 inches (with mat for 8.5×11); 11×17 inches (large certificates).
Panoramic Frames: 10×20 inches; 12×36 inches; 20×60 inches; great for landscape photography.
Square Frames: 8×8, 12×12, 16×16, 20×20 inches — popular for Instagram prints and modern displays.
Tips for Measuring and Selecting Sizes
- Measure your artwork accurately using our measuring guide
- Consider the display location — larger walls need larger frames
- Account for mat board if you're adding matting
- Think about orientation — portrait (vertical) vs. landscape (horizontal)
- Plan for groupings — consistent sizes create cohesive gallery walls
Size Selection Based on Room and Purpose
- Bedroom: Small to medium frames (5×7", 8×10", 11×14"); personal photos and artwork; multiple frames or gallery walls work well.
- Living Room: Medium to large frames (16×20", 18×24", 24×36"); statement pieces and focal points.
- Office/Study: Small to medium frames (8×10", 11×14"); diplomas, certificates, inspirational quotes.
- Hallway: Varied sizes in gallery wall arrangement; or uniform sizes in linear arrangement.
- Dining Room: Medium to large frames (16×20", 20×24"); artistic prints, family photos.
Quick Size Comparison
To visualize standard frame sizes:
- 4×6" — About the size of a postcard
- 5×7" — Similar to a standard greeting card
- 8×10" — Slightly larger than a sheet of paper
- 11×14" — About the size of a notebook
- 16×20" — Roughly the size of a magazine
- 24×36" — Approximately the size of a small poster
Getting Started
Ready to choose your frame size?
- Measure your artwork carefully (see how to measure)
- Check this chart to see if a standard size works
- Consider adding a mat to use standard frames
- Design your frame using our frame designer
- Preview before ordering to ensure perfect fit
Whether you choose a standard size or create a custom frame, our frame designer makes it easy to visualize your options and create the perfect frame for your artwork.
Not sure which size to choose? Our customer service team is happy to help you select the perfect frame size for your project.