Mat guide
Mat Size Guide: Frame Size vs. Picture Opening
A mat is the card border between the picture and the frame. With a mat, the frame size is bigger than the picture: an 8x10 photo usually sits in an 11x14 frame. The mat opening is cut slightly smaller than the photo so the edges stay hidden and held in place.
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Common matted sizes
These pairings are the traditional standards. The opening is about a quarter inch smaller than the print on each side so the mat overlaps the edges.
- 4x6 photo — 8x10 frame, opening about 3.5x5.5 in.
- 5x7 photo — 8x10 or 11x14 frame, opening about 4.5x6.5 in.
- 8x10 photo — 11x14 frame, opening about 7.5x9.5 in.
- 11x14 print — 16x20 frame, opening about 10.5x13.5 in.
- 16x20 print — 20x24 or 24x30 frame, opening about 15.5x19.5 in.
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How to measure for a mat
Measure the part of the picture you want to show, not just the paper. If a print has a white border or a signature you want visible, the opening needs to be larger than the image area.
For a standard overlap, subtract about half an inch from each dimension of the print. For artwork you want to float with paper edges showing, the opening is cut larger than the paper instead.
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How wide should the mat border be?
Borders of 2 to 3 inches suit most small and medium frames; larger frames can carry 3 to 4 inches. A wider border gives a small picture more presence and a more gallery-like feel.
Some framers make the bottom border slightly deeper than the top, called bottom weighting, so the picture doesn't look like it is sliding down. It is a matter of taste rather than a rule.
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When to skip the mat
Posters, full-bleed photos and bold graphic work often look best edge to edge. A mat also isn't needed if you want the largest possible image in a given wall space.
In our builder, choosing a mat keeps the same outside frame size and shrinks the visible picture to make room for the border, so you can compare both looks side by side before ordering.
See it before you order
Put the advice into a real frame.
Upload your picture, compare frame profiles and mats, and check the finished proportions before you commit.
Open the frame builderCommon questions
What size frame do I need for an 8x10 with a mat?
An 11x14 frame is the standard choice for an 8x10 photo with a mat, giving roughly a 1.5 to 2 inch border. A 16x20 frame gives a wider, more gallery-style border.
Should the mat opening be smaller than the photo?
Yes, usually by about a quarter inch on each side, so the mat overlaps and hides the photo edges. An 8x10 photo typically uses a 7.5x9.5 inch opening.
What color mat looks best?
White or off-white suits almost every photo and print because it doesn't compete with the image. Our frames use a clean snow-white mat.
How wide should a mat be?
Two to three inches is typical for small and medium frames, and three to four inches for larger pieces. Wider borders make small pictures feel more substantial.
