framing 4 yourself

How to Determine the Size of Your Custom Cut Picture Frame

Time Needed: 5min.
Difficulty Level: Easy

–Rigid ruler or measuring tape (avoid flexible tapes for accuracy)

–Artwork and a Vision

Knowing how you want your framed art to look when it’s finished will help you determine the appropriate size to order.


What Exactly Is Frame Size?

Frame size references the dimension from rabbet edge to rabbet edge. It’s the size any components and art would need to fit inside the frame.

Your art type matters!  See the steps below.

Once your art is stretched, measure the full length and width – outside edge to outside edge.

If you’re ordering traditional moulding, enter the measured size into the calculator, this will be your frame size.

If you’re ordering a non-stepped floater frame add ½” to your measurements before entering the dimensions into the calculator to give you a “floating” appearance, and this will be your frame size.

Measure the largest length and width of your object, as you’d have it displayed.  Add the amount of solid matboard you’d like to see to each dimension.

Example:

Your object is 10” x 20”.

-You want to see 2” of matboard around your object on each side, plus ¼” all around that will rest below the lip of the frame. 

Example:

10” + 2 ¼” + 2 ¼” = 14 ½”

20” + 2 ¼” + 2 ¼” = 20 ½”

Enter the total size into the calculator, this will be your frame size.

Measure the full length and width of the paper.

Enter the measured size into the calculator, this will be your frame size.

Measure the image size and add 4” to the length and width measurements.

All Framing 4 Yourself mats are cut with a 2 ¼” border.  We are already accounting for coming in on your art or paper size by ¼” on each side for ease of mounting.

Example:

Your image is 11” x 14”

The mat opening will be 10 ½” x 13 ½”.

With a 2 ¼” border all around, your overall mat size will be 15” x 19”

Enter the overall size into the calculator, this will be your frame size.

Need more help? Contact info@framing4yourself.com.

3 comments

  1. I appreciate the detailed instruction on framing and mat board measuring. Learned a lot to help show casing my photos. Do you recommend a spacer between the glass and the art work?

Leave a comment

Join our mailing list for weekly sales specials and 10% off your next order!