How To Know What Size Mat For Your Picture

Try to avoid a thin mat at all costs.

How to know what size mat for your picture.

Note that for prints measuring 18 x 24 inches and under frame destination cuts the mat window 1 8 inch smaller than the print allowing for more of the image to show through. The suggestions listed below use frame destination mat cutting standards. Measuring a picture frame and mat. Remember that you need the inner cut of the mat to be 1 4 of an inch smaller than the photo.

You will need to determine how wide of a mat you will need in order for it to fit into a standard size. Standard off the shelf frames and other frame shops may cut the mats 1 4 inch smaller. For more information about our mat selection. For artwork 18 and under in height or width we suggest using a 2 wide mat.

Most mats are at least 2 inches wide and not more than 4 inches wide. A 2 to 3 border is typical for most art work but it can vary. Keep in mind that this adds an additional 4 to the height and width of your framed art. If the size you require is not offered as a standard size there are two options.

2 mat finished size. Calculate 7 3 4 4 1 4 12 and 9 3 4 4 1 4 14. When you mat is too thin it becomes a border to your artwork rather than a complementary accent that draws the eye in. For a 5x8 image adding 2 inches all the way around mean that the outside mat size is 9x12 the outer mat size is also the size of the readymade frame that needs to be purchased.

You can order a custom size frame or order a larger standard size frame with a mat cut to make up the difference. Custom matting requires precise measurements the most important dimensions are the outside size and opening size. For artwork over 18 in width of height we suggest using a 2 5 or 3 mat to fit the size of your piece.