How to measure artwork for custom picture frames at home
Written by: Daniel Koren, Co-Founder, Frameology | Last updated: October 21, 2026
Key takeaways
Measure width first, then height, to the nearest 1/16 inch using a rigid metal ruler or steel tape on a flat surface.
Record the largest reading from multiple measurement points, because paper can be slightly out of square.
Always measure artwork flat. Flatten curled prints first to avoid inaccurate readings.
Frame size equals mat outer dimensions when you use a mat. Calculate mat outer size by adding twice the border width to both artwork dimensions.
Frameology offers curated sizes, mobile augmented reality (AR) previews, and two framing tiers that make ordering the right custom frame simple and low-stress.
Why measuring artwork for custom picture frames at home matters
You’re standing over a print on the kitchen table, tape measure in hand, and you’re not sure whether to measure the art, the mat, or the old frame it came out of. That uncertainty is the most common reason people delay ordering or end up with the wrong size.
The core rule stays simple: measure width first, from left edge to right edge, then height from top edge to bottom edge, recording both to the nearest 1/16 inch. Use a rigid metal ruler or steel tape, as fabric tape measures stretch over time and produce inaccurate readings. Lay the artwork on a flat, clean surface with good lighting before you start.
Because custom frames are made-to-order, even a quarter-inch error can mean a frame that won’t seat the artwork properly. That error multiplies across all four border additions, creating noticeable gaps or excessive tightness that harms the finished piece. Careful measuring once gives you a frame that fits correctly so you can stop worrying about it.
What you’ll need before you start
This guide is for first-time custom framers, renters, homeowners, gift shoppers, and hobby photographers, or anyone with a favorite photo or print ready to go on the wall. Before picking up a ruler, get familiar with a few terms that will appear throughout the process.
Frame lip: The small overlap on the inside edge of the frame that holds the artwork in place. It typically covers about 1/4 inch of the artwork on each side.
Rabbet: The recessed channel inside the frame that holds the glazing, mat, artwork, and backing. Standard rabbet depth is approximately 3/8 inch for flat paper and glass.
Mat window: The opening cut into the mat board through which the artwork is visible.
Mat border: The width of mat board surrounding the mat window on each side.
Stretched canvas depth: The measurement from the front painted surface to the farthest back edge of the stretcher bars.
Aspect ratio: The proportional relationship between an image’s width and height. For example, an 8×10 photo has a 4:5 ratio.
Online custom framing has made museum-quality framing accessible to anyone with a tape measure and a photo. Ordering the wrong size still causes the most pre-purchase anxiety for many people. Frameology’s mobile augmented reality (AR) preview eliminates that guesswork by letting you see the frame on your actual wall before you buy. Curated sizing options further simplify the process.
Before you start measuring, gather a few simple tools so your measurements stay accurate and organized:
Rigid metal ruler or steel tape measure
Flat, clean surface (a table or hardwood floor works well)
Pencil and paper to record measurements
A printable measurement worksheet to keep your numbers organized
How to measure artwork for custom picture frames at home: the core steps
Follow these steps in order, regardless of what you’re framing. The artwork type, such as a flat print, canvas, or rolled print, affects some details, but the sequence stays the same.
Lay the artwork flat on a clean, flat surface. If it’s rolled or curled, place it under a heavy book for an hour or gently weight the corners. Always flatten curled prints before measuring, as a curled print measures shorter than its actual flat dimension.
Measure the width first. Measure edge to edge at the top, middle, and bottom of the artwork. Record the largest measurement to the nearest 1/16 inch, because paper can be slightly out of square and the largest reading is the one that matters.
Measure the height next. Measure edge to edge at the left, middle, and right. Again, record the largest measurement to the nearest 1/16 inch.
Measure depth if you have a stretched canvas or 3D piece. Measure from the front surface to the farthest back edge, checking at multiple points and using the largest dimension. Measure perpendicular to the front surface rather than wrapping the tape around the side.
Record width × height (and depth if applicable) on your worksheet. Measure twice before ordering. Professional framers often measure three times and treat that as standard practice.
While these core steps apply to every piece, you’ll adjust the details slightly based on what you’re framing.
The decision tree: measure this way based on what you’re framing
The measurement method changes depending on the type of artwork. Use these scenarios to adapt the core steps to your specific piece.
Flat paper print or photo, no mat
Measure the visible art edge to edge, width first, then height.
Use that measurement as your frame size and order a frame to those exact dimensions.
Flat print with a mat
Measure the artwork first, edge to edge.
Decide on your mat border width. A 2-inch border is a safe, classic choice for most prints.
Calculate the mat outer size: mat outer width = artwork width + (2 × border width); mat outer height = artwork height + (2 × border width).
Use that mat outer size as the frame size you order.
Rolled or curled print
Flatten the print first by placing it under books or gentle weights for at least an hour.
Once flat, measure as you would a flat paper print.
Always measure after flattening, since curled prints give shorter readings than the true flat size.
Stretched canvas
Measure the front face width and height from outer stretcher bar edge to outer stretcher bar edge.
Measure depth from the front surface to the farthest back edge, using the largest depth measurement.
The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends a frame rabbet of at least 1 inch for stretched canvas works so the canvas depth clears the frame without crushing the edge or rubbing the paint film.
Use a floater frame for stretched canvases, because a standard shallow picture frame won’t accommodate the depth.
Already-framed piece
If you want the same size, measure the outside dimensions of the existing frame.
If you want a new mat or a different look, remove the art and measure the art itself. Different frames have different moulding widths, so the old frame’s exterior dimensions won’t match what you need for a new frame.
Sizing math: how much bigger should a picture frame be than the picture?
The frame should be sized to the mat outer dimension, or to the art size if there’s no mat. The frame lip, the small inner overlap that holds everything in place, typically covers about 1/4 inch of the artwork on each side, hiding a total of 1/2 inch in both width and height. That overlap is built into the frame’s design, so you order the frame to the mat outer size and the lip takes care of itself.
The mat outer dimension formula:
Mat outer width = artwork width + (2 × border width)
Mat outer height = artwork height + (2 × border width)
Worked example: An 11×14 print with a 2-inch mat border on all sides needs a mat outer size of 15×18 (11 + 4 = 15; 14 + 4 = 18). You’d order a 15×18 frame. The mat opening itself is cut slightly smaller than the artwork, typically 1/4 inch smaller per side, so the mat overlaps the artwork edges and holds it securely. For that 11×14 print, the mat opening would be 10.5×13.5 inches.
The golden ratio for mat borders: A ratio of roughly 1:1.618 between mat border width and the artwork’s shorter side is a pleasing proportion guideline used by professional framers. For an 8×10 photo, applying the golden ratio to the 8-inch short side yields a mat border of approximately 4.94 inches. That creates a dramatic, gallery-style presentation. This proportion is a design preference rather than a strict rule. A 2-inch border on an 11×14 is a safe, classic choice for most home displays. For most photos and prints, a mat border of 2 to 3 inches is a safe starting point.
Frameology’s Framed Pictures Collection includes curated sizes that remove the need for manual sizing math.
Can a 16×20 poster fit in an 18×24 frame?
A 16×20 poster fits in an 18×24 frame only when you add a mat. A frame’s listed size refers to the artwork size it’s designed to hold, not its outside dimensions. An 18×24 frame typically has a mat opening of approximately 17.5×23.5 inches, which is larger than 16×20. A 16×20 poster placed directly in an 18×24 frame would float inside it with visible gaps. The correct approach is to use a mat with a 16×20 window cut into it, which fills the gap and holds the poster securely. You can also order a 16×20 frame sized to the poster.
A related question comes up with 24×36 posters. A 24×36 frame is designed for a 24×36 print, but the frame lip overlaps slightly, so the visible art area is a bit smaller than the full poster dimensions. If you want the full poster visible edge to edge, use a mat or order a frame sized with a small allowance. At 24×36, many people skip the mat because the image already occupies a large wall area.
Common measuring mistakes and how to avoid them
Most ordering errors come from a small set of predictable mistakes. Watch for these issues as you measure.
Measuring a curled or rolled print while it’s still curled: Flatten it first. A curled print measures shorter than its actual flat dimension.
Measuring the outside of an old frame and assuming that’s the art size: Remove the art and measure the art itself. Frame moulding widths vary, so the old frame’s exterior doesn’t give reliable art dimensions.
Forgetting canvas depth: Always measure front to back and use the largest dimension. A canvas that’s deeper than the frame’s rabbet won’t seat properly.
Mixing up width and height: Measure width first, then height, every time. Frame dimensions are commonly written as Width × Height in framing and retail contexts, so an 8×10 frame is 8 inches wide by 10 inches tall, even though the fine art gallery convention lists Height before Width.
Not measuring at multiple points: Paper can be slightly out of square. Measure at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and at the left, middle, and right for height. Use the largest reading.
Forgetting the mat: If you want a mat, calculate the mat outer size before ordering the frame. The mat outer size, not the artwork size, is what you use for the frame order.
Rounding measurements: A 16.25×20.125-inch artwork should be recorded exactly rather than rounded to 16×20, because the accumulated error creates visible gaps or excessive tightness.
Pre-order checklist and worksheet
Before placing your order, run through this checklist to confirm you have everything you need.
Measured width (largest of top, middle, and bottom readings) to the nearest 1/16 inch
Measured height (largest of left, middle, and right readings) to the nearest 1/16 inch
Measured depth if you’re framing a stretched canvas
Decided on mat vs. no mat
Calculated mat outer size if using a mat: artwork width + (2 × border width) and artwork height + (2 × border width)
Recorded final dimensions as width × height on your worksheet
Measured twice to confirm
A printable measurement worksheet keeps all your numbers in one place and reduces the risk of transposing figures when you reach the ordering step.
Once you’ve confirmed your measurements, Frameology’s mobile AR preview lets you project a true-to-scale preview of your exact frame on your actual wall before you buy. It’s available on mobile only, with no app download required, and it’s one of the fastest ways to confirm the size looks right in your space before committing to an order.
Why Frameology is the best choice for custom picture frames
Frameology brings 30+ years of family-owned framing heritage to every order. The company grew out of a beloved frame shop that served upper Manhattan from 1986 to 2020, and every frame is still hand-framed with care in the United States. With 7,700+ verified 5-star reviews and a 4.98/5 star rating, it ranks among the highest-rated online custom framing services.
Frameology offers two core framing tiers, each designed for different needs:
The Classic Wall, starting at $59, delivers strong value with fast shipping, and orders typically arrive within a week. Classic frames feature a removable backing so you can swap photos whenever you want, and they use a single center hanger for easy horizontal or vertical display. Classic Wall frames go up to 16×20.
The Luxe Wall, starting at $79, is Frameology’s top-of-the-line, museum-quality option. Luxe frames are made with premium wood and metal moldings, acid-free mats, and UV-protecting museum-grade acrylic. They feature a sealed permanent backing that protects the photo forever, a no-wire hanging system with two side hangers for perfect leveling, and all hanging hardware, including nails and a mini-level, included in the box. Luxe products take 7–10 business days due to artisan craftsmanship.
The mobile AR preview works across both lines, so you can see the exact frame on your wall before you buy. Frameology’s single-page customization flow keeps the process simple: you pick a style, upload a photo, and check out without juggling multiple tabs or complex menus.
Architectural Digest, CNN, and Hunker have all covered Frameology’s approach to making quality framing accessible. Hunker named Frameology “best for budget-conscious shoppers” in a comparison of popular online custom framing services.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure a picture for framing?
Lay the artwork flat on a clean, hard surface. Measure width first, from left edge to right edge, at the top, middle, and bottom of the piece, then record the largest reading to the nearest 1/16 inch. Measure height next, from top edge to bottom edge, at the left, middle, and right, again recording the largest reading. Use a rigid metal ruler or steel tape measure instead of a fabric tape, since fabric can stretch and produce inaccurate results. Measure twice before ordering.
How much bigger should a picture frame be than the picture?
If you’re framing without a mat, the frame size matches the artwork size. As explained in the sizing math section, the frame lip overlaps the art by about 1/4 inch per side, and that overlap is already built into the frame’s design. If you’re adding a mat, the frame size equals the mat outer dimension: artwork width plus twice the border width, and artwork height plus twice the border width. For an 11×14 print with a 2-inch border, that means a 15×18 frame. The mat opening is cut slightly smaller than the artwork, typically 1/4 inch per side, so the mat holds the artwork securely without it slipping through.
Can a 16×20 poster fit in an 18×24 frame?
A 16×20 poster doesn’t fit directly in an 18×24 frame without a mat. An 18×24 frame has a mat opening of approximately 17.5×23.5 inches, which is larger than 16×20, so a 16×20 poster placed in it without a mat would float with visible gaps on all sides. The practical solution is to use a mat with a 16×20 window, which fills the gap and holds the poster in place. You can also order a 16×20 frame sized to the poster.
What is the golden ratio for framing artwork?
The golden ratio, approximately 1:1.618, is a proportioning guideline that suggests the mat border width should be roughly 61.8% of the artwork’s shorter side. For an 8×10 photo, that works out to about 4.94 inches of mat border, which creates a dramatic, gallery-style presentation. This ratio is a design preference rather than a rule. Most home displays use 2 to 3 inches of mat border, which is a safe, classic choice. The golden ratio works best as a reference point when you want a particularly striking or formal presentation.
How do I measure a stretched canvas for a frame?
Measure the front face width and height from outer stretcher bar edge to outer stretcher bar edge, not the visible painted area. Take measurements at multiple points and use the largest reading, since handmade stretchers can vary slightly. Then measure depth from the front surface to the farthest back edge, perpendicular to the front face, using the largest depth measurement. Stretched canvases need a floater frame with a rabbet deep enough to accommodate the canvas depth without pressing against the painted surface. The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends a rabbet of at least 1 inch for stretched canvas works.
How do I measure art that’s already in a frame?
If you want to replicate the same size, measure the outside dimensions of the existing frame. If you want a new mat or a different look, remove the art from the old frame and measure the art itself, since different frames have different moulding widths and the old frame’s exterior dimensions won’t tell you what you need for a new frame. For valuable or fragile work that can’t be safely removed, record the complete outside dimensions and consult a framer about the inside opening size.
Do all gallery walls include hanging templates?
Classic and Luxe gallery walls include life-size gallery wall templates that make installation simple and straightforward. Canvas galleries, Metal galleries, and gallery walls created using Frameology’s Gallery Wall Design Service don’t include templates because their construction and customization work differently and often need more tailored installation approaches.
What’s the difference between Classic and Luxe frames?
Classic frames, starting at $59 for wall frames, deliver strong value with fast shipping, and they typically arrive within a week. Classic frames feature a removable backing so you can swap photos anytime. Luxe frames, starting at $79, are top-of-the-line and museum-quality, made with premium wood and metal moldings, acid-free mats, and UV-protecting museum-grade acrylic. Luxe frames have a sealed permanent backing, a no-wire hanging system with two side hangers for perfect leveling, and all hanging hardware, including nails and a mini-level, included in the box.
How long does shipping take?
Classic products usually ship the next business day and typically arrive within a week. Luxe products take 7–10 business days due to the artisan craftsmanship involved in each order.
