Frame Size Calculator ️

What is a Frame Size Calculator?

A frame size calculator is a digital tool that helps artists, photographers, and customers determine the perfect frame dimensions for their artwork or photos. Simply enter your painting or photo dimensions, customize mat and frame width, and instantly get accurate measurements for ordering or creating custom frames.

Common Photo Frame Sizes (Inches & Centimeters)

Why Use Our Frame Size Calculator?

1. Accurate Measurements

No more guesswork or manual calculations. Our picture frame size calculator gives you precise dimensions in both inches and centimeters, ensuring your artwork fits perfectly every time.

2. Customizable Options

Unlike basic calculators, our tool lets you customize:

• Mat border width (matting around your artwork)
• Frame border thickness
• Unit selection (inches or centimeters)

3. Visual Preview

See exactly how your frame will look before ordering. The visual representation shows the relationship between your artwork, mat, and frame, helping you make better design decisions.

4. Professional Results

Get gallery-quality framing recommendations with professional tips based on your specifications. Perfect for artists selling framed work or customers wanting museum-quality presentation.

5. Cost Planning

Calculate the total frame area to estimate material costs and compare different framing options before making a purchase. If you’re selling your artwork, combine this with our art pricing calculator to determine the right price including framing costs.

How to Use the Frame Size Calculator

Step 1: Select Your Unit Choose between inches or centimeters based on your preference or regional standards.

Step 2: Enter Artwork Dimensions Input the exact width and height of your painting, photo, or print. Measure from edge to edge of the artwork itself. If you’re working with digital artwork and need to convert pixels to physical dimensions, use our pixels to inches converter first to get accurate measurements.

Step 3: Set Frame Width Enter the thickness of the frame border. Standard frames are typically 0.75″ to 2″ thick. Thicker frames (2-3″) create a bold, dramatic look.

Step 4: Choose Mat Width Specify the mat border width around your artwork:

• 1-1.5″: Minimal, modern look
• 2-3″: Standard gallery framing (recommended)
• 3-4″: Premium, museum-quality presentation

Step 5: Calculate Click the “Calculate Frame Size” button to instantly see:

• Total frame dimensions needed
• Visual preview of your framed artwork
• Detailed specifications
• Professional framing recommendations

Understanding Your Results

Total Frame Size

This is the final outer dimensions of your complete frame. Use these measurements when ordering pre-made frames or giving specifications to a custom framer.

Artwork Size

Your original artwork dimensions for reference.

Mat + Frame Width

The combined border thickness around your artwork. This helps you understand how much space the framing adds.

Total Area

The complete surface area of your frame. Useful for estimating costs and planning wall space.

Orientation & Aspect Ratio

Automatically identifies if your artwork is portrait, landscape, or square, along with the width-to-height ratio.

Tips for Perfect Framing

Mat Width Guidelines:

• Small artworks (under 8×10): Use 2-2.5″ mat
• Medium artworks (11×14 to 16×20): Use 2.5-3″ mat
• Large artworks (over 20×24): Use 3-4″ mat

Frame Selection:

• Black or white frames: Modern, versatile, suits most artwork
• Wood frames: Traditional, warm, perfect for landscapes and portraits
• Metal frames: Contemporary, sleek, ideal for photography and prints

Color Coordination:

• White mats: Classic, works with everything, creates bright presentation
• Black mats: Dramatic, modern, makes colors pop
• Cream/Off-white: Warmer alternative to white, vintage feel

Common Framing Questions

Q: Should I always use a mat?

A: Not always. Modern prints and canvases often look great without mats (mat width = 0). However, photographs and watercolors typically benefit from matting for protection and visual appeal.

Q: What’s the standard mat width?

A: 2-3 inches is the professional standard used in galleries and museums. This provides good visual balance for most artwork sizes.

Q: Can I use different mat widths on different sides?

A: Yes! Some framers use wider bottom mats (3-4″) with narrower top/side mats (2-3″) for a formal, traditional look. For more advanced calculations, you can also check out this picture frame calculator for additional framing options.

Q: How do I measure my artwork correctly?

A: Measure the visible artwork area only, not including any existing borders or margins. Use a ruler or measuring tape for accuracy.

Benefits for Different Users

For Artists:

• Quote accurate framing prices to customers
• Offer multiple framing options easily
• Calculate material costs before purchasing
• Create professional presentation packages

For Photographers:

• Determine standard print sizes that work with common frames
• Plan gallery wall layouts with accurate dimensions
• Offer framed print options to clients

For Customers:

• Avoid buying wrong-sized frames
• Compare different matting options visually
• Make informed decisions before purchasing
• Ensure artwork fits perfectly in chosen frames

For Frame Shops:

• Quick quotes for custom orders
• Help customers visualize their choices
• Reduce ordering errors and returns
• Provide professional recommendations

Why Proper Framing Matters

Quality framing isn’t just about aesthetics—it protects your valuable artwork from dust, moisture, and damage while enhancing its visual impact. The right frame size with proper matting can:

• Increase perceived value of artwork
• Create professional gallery presentation
• Draw attention to important details
• Complement your interior design
• Preserve artwork for years to come

Our photo frame size calculator takes the complexity out of framing decisions, giving you professional results every time. Whether you’re framing a family photo, selling artwork, or creating a gallery wall, accurate measurements are essential for beautiful, lasting results.

More Tools for Artists

Looking for more helpful calculators and tools? Visit ArtistHu for a complete suite of resources designed specifically for artists and photographers. Explore more online tools for artists including canvas size calculators, color converters, and productivity tools to streamline your creative workflow.