Your guide to the most popular picture frame sizes, Top tips for choosing the right frame, and your very own FREE portable picture frame guide printables!
At Frame It Easy we believe that custom framing should truly be custom. There are no right or wrong sizes in our eyes! (You do you boo!) Whatever size fits your idea, space, or home decor project – we say “Go for it!” Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, so no matter what size you choose, we just want it to be the perfect fit for you.
That being said, there are some common, popular picture frame sizes and standard picture frame sizes you should be aware of when thinking of your next framing project! If you need an idea, are keen on the traditional framing aspect, or want to experiment with your growing gallery wall of different frame sizes, take a look at the following guide.
So, what are the most popular picture frame sizes?
| Popular Frame Sizes: |
|---|
| 6″x8″ |
| 8″x10″ |
| 10″x10″ |
| 11″x14″ |
| 12″x14″ |
| 13″x15″ |
| 16″x 20″ |
| 20″x24″ |
| 24″x28″ |
| 24″x36″ |
| 22″x38″ |
| 30″x40″ |
What are the most common art sizes?
| Common Art Sizes: |
|---|
| 4″x6″ |
| 5″x5″ |
| 5″x7″ |
| 8″x10″ |
| 11″x14″ |
| 12″x18″ |
| 13″x19″ |
| 16″x20″ |
| 17″x22″ |
| 20″x30″ |
| 20″x36″ |
| 22″x32″ |
Whew, that’s a lot of information! But, no worries! – When you upload your art to our Custom Frame Designer it does all the measuring and math for you. If you still have questions or need help, you can reach us at yourfriends@frameiteasy.com or give us a ring at (888) 983-2670 during support hours.
The Most Popular Picture Frame Sizes
If you’re looking for a place to start, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular sizes and common sizes, all so you can find the ✨perfect✨ frame!
Framing for 4″x6″ Art.
This sizing is most common for photo prints, it’s standard for 35mm photography, and is usually what you’d find in a photo album. 4″x6″ prints are perfect for wall galleries and decorating a shelf or desk.
6″x8″ Frame
Adding some matting to your frame will amp up your print and bring attention to the art, all while enhancing your frame choice. If you’re going for a matboard we suggest using these larger frame sizes:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4″x6″ | 3 1/2″x5 1/2″ | 6″x8″ | 6″x8″ |
| 4″x6″ | 3 1/2″x5 1/2″ | 8″x10″ | 8″x10″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 5″x5″ Art (& Smaller!)
Have some 5″x5″ wall art? We can frame that! Heck, you can even go smaller with our custom matting options! Your matboard is key when framing artwork smaller than the display space. If you have a photo, painting, or other artwork that is too small in proportion to your space, consider large matting to keep your piece in scale.
Outside Frame Size: 8 3⁄16” x 8 3⁄16“
So if you have a photo, painting, or other artwork that is too small in proportion to your space, consider large matting to keep your piece in scale. Adding a matboard? We suggest the following frame size:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5″x5″ | 4 1/2″x4 1/2″ | 10”x10“ | 10”x10“ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 5″x7″ Art.
Much like the 4″x6″ print, the 5″x7″ print is the next size up for photo printing. This is usually the preferred size for portrait photos. It’s a tad larger so it stands out on a crowded desk or shelf of photographs.
School Photos commonly come in 5″x7″ sizing
If you want to bring even more attention to this print, add a colorful matting option. We recommend going for these frame & matting sizes:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5″x7″ | 4 1/2″x6 1/2″ | 8″x10″ | 8″x10″ |
| 5″x7″ | 4 1/2″x6 1/2″ | 11″x14″ | 11″x14″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 8″x10″ Art.
Outside Frame Size: 13″ x 15″
When you have a large space to fill, you don’t necessarily have to fill it with one large piece of art. Several 8″x10″s can be arranged together to make a visually pleasing display! If you decide to use matting, consider using a neutral color (Go for white matting or ivory!), as it enhances the uniformity of your display.
11″x14″ Frame
We’ve also noticed when ordering wedding photos, family portraits, or any other professional pictures, many opt for the 8″x10″ size. This size also works well on a gallery wall for an eye-catching display.
If you have school-aged children, class photos are commonly offered in standard sizes, ranging from wallet-sized to, frankly, oversized!
Consider purchasing the 8″×10″ size and create a display along a hallway or staircase. As your kids grow, so will your collection. (They grow up so fast! 😭)
We propose the following matboard-friendly frame sizes:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8″x10″ | 7 1/2″x9 1/2″ | 11″x14″ | 11″x14″ |
| 8″x10″ | 7 1/2″x9 1/2″ | 12″x14″ | 12″x14″ |
| 8″x10″ | 7 1/2″x9 1/2″ | 13″X15″ | 13″X15″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 11″x14″ Art.
High School diplomas are typically 8.5″x11,” which corresponds to a standard size for paper. Most college diplomas and awards are 11″x14″. Certificates of achievement and corporate recognition honors are customarily in one of these sizes.
When designing a frame for your diploma we recommend adding a double mat utilizing your school colors with a 1 1⁄2″ outer mat and 1⁄4″ inner mat. Your academic achievements should be proudly displayed in style!
Outside Frame Size: 19 1⁄2” x 16 7⁄16“
For certificates and awards, a simple frame will work best. Remember, ¼” of your artwork will be covered by the frame to help hold it in place. Since these items focus on the content in the center of the page, there is no need to worry about “losing” anything behind the frame.
We advise the following matboard-friendly frame sizes:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11″x14″ | 10 1/2″x13 1/2″ | 16″x 20″ | 16″x 20″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 16″x20″ Art.
This size is normally what’s used for a band or movie promo poster, you can even find some cool downloadable calendars to print and frame in this size! You can even design your chore board, grocery list, or spending chart and use a dry-erase marker on your acrylic cover.
20″x24″ Frame
We suggest the following frame sizes to include space for matting:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16″x20″ | 15 1/2″x19 1/2″ | 20″x24″ | 20″x24″ |
| 16″x20″ | 15 1/2″x19 1/2″ | 24″x28″ | 24″x28″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 20″x30″ Art.
This print size is commonly found for printing poster art or original canvas pieces by artists. Because it is on the larger side, it’s advised to make this size the centerpiece or focal point of your decor wall. (Unless you have a bigger piece accompanying it, of course!)
Getting a matboard? We advise using the following frame size:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20″x30″ | 19 1/2″x29 1/2″ | 24″x36″ | 24″x36″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 20″x36″ Art.
Some photo prints and artwork require large frames – we can handle that! Our wood frames can be made up to 42″x42″, while our metal frames can be as large as 42″×62″. So don’t be afraid to give your piece the grand display that it deserves!
Outside Frame Size: 22″ x 38″
For BIG pieces, consider a triptych or diptych display. Many customers frame posters of their favorite movies, bands, or books. As a general frame of reference, 24″x36″ is usually a larger movie poster size, 18″x24″ is often associated with medium-sized posters, and smaller sizes tend to run around the 11″x17″ range. The most popular poster frame sizes are 11″×17″, 18″×24″, and 24″×36″.
Want to include a matboard? We suggest using the following frame size:
| Print Size | Matboard inside dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20″x36″ | 19 1/2″x35 1/2″ | 22″x38″ | 22″x38″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Framing for 22″x32″ Art.
This is a BIG print, and with such a considerable piece you’ll need a larger-sized frame. It’s best to keep your matting to a minimum or forgo it altogether. The same idea goes for your frame, go for an option with smaller edgings so your artwork stays the star of the show. We recommend the Hanover style due to its thin but hardy edgings and its wide selection of color options!
30″x40″ Frame
Still would like a mat board? Try this frame size:
| Print Size | Matboard inside Dimensions* | Full Matboard Dimensions | Picture Frame inside Dimensions** |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22″x32″ | 21 1/2″x31 1/2″ | 30″x40″ | 30″x40″ |
** Inside width does not count the edgings of the frame.
Choosing The Right Frame
You have found the perfect art to frame, you’ve done the measurements (or uploaded it to our Frame Designer, ‘cuz math is hard!), and now it’s time for the hard part… choosing your frame style and matboard color!
Luckily, we came prepared! Check out our extensive guides on our frames, matting, and acrylic covers:
- Dark vs Light Wood Frames: Which Is Best For You?
- An In-Depth Look At Metal Frames: Which Style and Color Is The Best Choice For Your Decor?
- Choosing The Perfect Matboard Color For Your Custom Framing Project
- Clear vs. Non-Glare — A Guide To Our Acrylic Frame Covers
The Picture Perfect Handy-Dandy Frame Guide
Shopping around for prints, finding something unique to frame, or just gathering ideas? Grab one of our pocket-friendly photo frame size guides below!
Other Handy Guides, References, and Inspiration
Outside Frame Size: 17″x20″
Outside Frame Size: 25″x29″
Outside Frame Size: 26″x32″
Outside Frame Size: 18 3⁄16” x 18 3⁄16“
Framing Final Thoughts
While there are almost endless frame sizing options and countless frame styles and colors, you have all the power when it comes to crafting your perfect-sized custom picture frame! Remember there’s no shame in sticking to the tried and true standard frame sizing – whatever works best for your space and projects is a-okay with us!
Need help sizing, not sure what frame to choose? If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us; we’d be happy to help out.
Be sure to share your fantastic photos with us on social media – we wanna see some decor! Be sure to tag us @frameiteasy and use the hashtag #frameiteasy for a chance to be featured!
