Why standard sizes matter
Custom-cut frames are expensive. Off-the-shelf frames are cheap. If your print or artwork is a standard size, you can walk into almost any framing or home goods store and find a frame that fits — often for a fraction of the cost of custom framing.
Many artists and photographers print to standard sizes for exactly this reason. If you're ordering prints, choosing a standard size upfront is worth considering.
Common US print sizes
Mat width shown is a typical single mat. Frame size = print + mat on all sides.
| Print size | Typical mat | Frame size |
|---|---|---|
| 4×6 in | 2 in all sides | 8×10 in |
| 5×7 in | 2 in all sides | 9×11 in |
| 8×10 in | 2–3 in | 12×14 – 14×16 in |
| 11×14 in | 2.5–3 in | 16×19 – 17×20 in |
| 12×16 in | 2.5–3 in | 17×21 – 18×22 in |
| 16×20 in | 3 in | 22×26 in |
| 18×24 in | 3–4 in | 24×30 – 26×32 in |
| 24×36 in | 3–4 in | 30×42 – 32×44 in |
International (ISO) paper sizes
Common in Europe and widely used globally.
| Size | Dimensions | Nearest US frame |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 6×8 in (custom) |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 8×12 in (custom) |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 12×16 in |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 17×24 in (custom) |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 24×33 in (custom) |
ISO sizes rarely match US standard frame sizes exactly — most A-series framing in the US requires custom or near-standard frames with a custom-cut mat.
Bottom-weighted mats
A traditional framing convention: make the bottom mat margin slightly wider than the top and sides. The difference is subtle — typically 10–20% more — and it compensates for an optical illusion that makes equal margins look top-heavy.
For example, with 3-inch top and side margins, use 3.5 inches at the bottom. For modern and symmetric presentations, equal margins on all sides is increasingly common and entirely acceptable.
When to go custom
Custom framing is worth it when: the artwork is a non-standard size, the piece is valuable, or the installation context requires exact dimensions. For everything else, designing around standard sizes saves money without compromising the result.