How To Know What Size Mat For Your Picture

Remember that you need the inner cut of the mat to be 1 4 of an inch smaller than the photo.

How to know what size mat for your picture.

You can order a custom size frame or order a larger standard size frame with a mat cut to make up the difference. You will need to determine how wide of a mat you will need in order for it to fit into a standard size. Custom matting requires precise measurements the most important dimensions are the outside size and opening size. 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.

Standard off the shelf frames and other frame shops may cut the mats 1 4 inch smaller. When you mat is too thin it becomes a border to your artwork rather than a complementary accent that draws the eye in. While the size of the artwork and frame will dictate what is classified as thin a general rule of thumb is to never have a mat less than 1 1 2 inches wide. Try to avoid a thin mat at all costs.

Measuring a picture frame and mat. If you have an 8 inch by 10 inch photo and you want a mat that is approximately 4 inches wide you will want a 12 by 14 inch frame. If the size you require is not offered as a standard size there are two options. The biggest challenge customers face when ordering their matboards is getting the right size matboards to match their artwork.

The suggestions listed below use frame destination mat cutting standards. A 2 to 3 border is typical for most art work but it can vary. 2 mat finished 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.

For artwork 18 and under in height or width we suggest using a 2 wide mat. For more information about our mat selection. Keep in mind that this adds an additional 4 to the height and width of your framed art.