Size chart
Standard Picture Frame Sizes: A Complete Chart
Standard frame sizes are named by the picture they hold, not the outside of the frame. An 8x10 frame holds an 8 by 10 inch print; the moulding adds to the outside width. Start by matching your picture's shape (its aspect ratio), then pick the size that suits the wall.
01
The most common standard sizes
Most photos and prints fall into a handful of standard sizes. Small sizes suit desks and shelves, medium sizes suit hallways and gallery walls, and large sizes work as a single statement piece above a sofa, bed or sideboard.
- 4x6 and 5x7 in: snapshots, desk and shelf frames.
- 8x10 in: the classic portrait and family photo size.
- 11x14 in: a popular wall size, often used to mat an 8x10 photo.
- 12x12 in: square photos, album covers and Instagram-style images.
- 16x20 in: a strong single wall piece, or an 11x14 print with a mat.
- 18x24 in: posters and larger art prints.
- 24x36 in: full-size posters and statement art.
02
Match the aspect ratio first
Aspect ratio is the shape of the picture. Phone and DSLR photos are usually 4:3 or 3:2, so they fit sizes like 12x16 (4:3) or 12x18 and 16x24 (3:2) without cropping. Sizes like 8x10 and 16x20 are 4:5, so a camera photo will lose a little from the long edge.
If you want to keep the whole picture, choose a size with the same ratio. If you are happy to crop, preview the crop before ordering so heads, horizons and signatures stay in the frame.
- 4:5 — 8x10, 16x20.
- 3:4 — 12x16, 18x24, 24x32.
- 2:3 — 12x18, 16x24.
- 1:1 — 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 14x14, 16x16, 20x20.
03
Frame size versus outside size
The frame size describes the opening for the picture. The finished piece on the wall is larger because of the moulding width, and larger again if you add a mat. When planning a wall or gallery arrangement, always use the outside dimensions.
Each of our size pages lists the finished outside size and prices for every frame style, so you can plan the space as well as the picture.
04
Choosing a size for the wall
A common rule is that art above furniture should be about two-thirds to three-quarters of the furniture's width. A single 8x10 can look lost on a large wall; group it with others or step up to 16x20 or larger.
Check the image resolution before going big. A sharp print needs roughly 150–300 pixels per inch, so a 16x20 print looks best from a file of at least 2400 by 3000 pixels.
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 are the standard picture frame sizes?
Common standard sizes are 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 12x12, 16x20, 18x24 and 24x36 inches. The size names the picture the frame holds, not the outside dimensions.
What is the most popular picture frame size?
8x10 is the most common size for photos, with 11x14 and 16x20 the most popular wall sizes, often used with a mat around a smaller print.
Does an 8x10 frame measure 8x10 on the outside?
No. 8x10 is the size of the picture opening. The outside is larger by the width of the moulding on each side, and larger again with a mat.
What frame size fits a phone photo?
Most phone photos are 4:3, so 12x16, 18x24 or 24x32 keep the full image. Sizes like 8x10 or 16x20 will crop a little from the long edge.