Calculators · Free
What frame size do I need?
A free frame & mat calculator. Enter your artwork size and how wide you want the mat — get the exact mat opening to cut and the frame size to buy, including the nearest standard size. No signup.
Free tool
Frame & Mat Size Calculator
Enter your artwork size and mat border — get the exact mat opening to cut and the frame size to buy.
Frame size to buy
14.5 × 17.5in
The mat opening is cut 1/4 in. smaller than the artwork on each side so the print is held in place. Buying a pre-cut mat? Match the opening above.
How framing math works
A framed piece is built in layers: the artwork, a mat around it, and the frame holding it all behind glass. The mat does two jobs — it gives the eye room to rest, and it physically holds the print by overlapping its edges.
So the frame you buy isn't your artwork's size — it's the mat's outer size: artwork, minus the overlap, plus the border on all four sides. This calculator runs that for you and flags when it lands near a standard, off-the-shelf frame size.
Questions
What size frame do I need for my artwork?
It depends on whether you're adding a mat. With a mat, the frame size equals your mat's outer dimensions — your artwork size, minus a small overlap, plus the mat border on every side. Enter your artwork size and mat border above and the calculator gives you the exact frame size to buy.
How wide should a mat border be?
A 2-inch border is the standard, balanced choice. For a more elevated, gallery look, go 3 to 4 inches — generous matting makes even a small piece feel important. Bigger artworks can carry a wider mat; tiny pieces usually look best around 1.5 to 2 inches.
Why is the mat opening smaller than my artwork?
The mat overlaps the edges of your print by about 1/4 inch on each side so the artwork is held in place and can't slip through the opening. That's why the opening this calculator gives you is 1/2 inch smaller than your artwork in each dimension.
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