For many photo labs, 12 x 18 has become the standard photo print size — even wholesale stores offer twelve by eighteen picture-printing capabilities. Not only can professional photo labs print these sizes, the home photographer can print it as well, usually on 13x19 paper.
The 12 x 8 print size is the first 3:2 ratio compatible with most SLR cameras to become available since the 4x6. However, photographers have become frustrated at the lack of a standard frame size for 12" by 18" prints — even though the print size had become so popular. Some were advised to crop their images to better fit standard size frames or get them custom framed in a shop by an expensive professional.
Standard Sizes for 12 x 18 Photos
Some of our standard sizes for picture frames for these prints are 16x22, 18x24 and 20x26. You can also order a custom picture frame and create a frame of any size that fits these print dimensions.
We’ve always carried picture frames for 12x18 image sizes, but they were exclusively higher-end frames with mat boards included in the package. We have since added new ready-made metal picture frames in the size that matches the 13x19 size. Each frame for 12 by 18 prints uses high-quality aluminum moulding with glass and foamcore mounting board to create a simple, elegant frame, making it an inexpensive and easy option to display twelve x eighteen images in a picture frame. Each frame includes a hanging kit — all you need to supply is the photo!
Please refer to our 12x18 picture frames today.
For many photo labs, 12 x 18 has become the standard photo print size — even wholesale stores offer twelve by eighteen picture-printing capabilities. Not only can professional photo labs print these sizes, the home photographer can print it as well, usually on 13×19 paper. The 12 x 8 print size is the first 3:2 […]
At Frame Destination, we get a lot of questions about picture frame sizes:
“What are standard picture frame sizes?”
“What is the picture frame size actually referring to?”
“How do I know my artwork will fit?”
"How much bigger should a frame be than the picture?"
And, of course, “Why are you talking about rabbits?” (They’re called rabbets!)
You would think that explaining picture frame dimensions would be a simple topic. Not so! To best help our customers find the right size picture frame for their artwork, we are here to fully clarify how a picture frame is measured and what you should look for when shopping for a picture frame.
Measuring The Artwork or Photo Dimensions
Before we get to the frame itself, there are a few other components that must be measured. The artwork is the focal point of the framed piece - and the artwork is what you base the frame size on — so you must first measure the correct part of the piece to be framed.
- The artwork size is the size of your image, not necessarily the paper on which the artwork is printed.
What size picture fits in a 8x10 frame?
Example: An 8×10-inch print from a photo lab will usually be 8×10 inches, but you might print an 8×10 at home on 8.5×11 paper. Therefore, the correct size is 8x10, not 8.5x11. /
Dimensions Change With Mat Board
If you choose to include a mat board in the framed piece, this can complicate the frame size a little. The mat board surrounds the artwork and adds extra space, so the frame must accommodate the size mat board you choose.
- This mat exact opening is the dimension of the hole cut in the mat.
Example: A typical store-bought, ready-made frame for an 8×10 photo will have a mat exact opening of 7.5×9.5. This size mat board will overlap the image by ¼ inch on all four sides, allowing it to hold the image down. Mat boards cut by custom frame shops will usually cut the mat with an opening of 7.75×9.75 so there is less masking of the image.
If you’re customizing a preset frame size from our website, you can select the border size of the mat, and the website will calculate the frame for you.
- The mat external size is the perimeter, or outside dimension, of the mat board. The mat external size should match the dimensions of the glazing.
Example: A mat board used to mount an 8×10 image in frame that is 11×14 will have a mat external size of exactly 11×14 plus or minus 1/16 inch.
The Frame: What Size is 11x14?
This is where it gets a little tricky. For example, an 11x14 (which refers to the inside perimeter of the frame) used to frame an 8x10 image could be referred to as both an 8x10 frame or an 11x14, assuming the complete frame package contains the appropriate mat board. However, a frame that is 11×14 with no mat will always be an 11×14 frame.
So is the frame dimension 11×14 or 8×10? The answer is neither.
If the frame size—not the mat opening—says 11×14, it is referring to the inside dimension. However, the frame will be cut slightly larger (typically 1/8 inch). This extra space allows room for the glazing, mounting board and mat board to fit without binding. It also allows for up to 1/16 inch error on the mat and glazing dimension as well as for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
When you’re purchasing a frame from Frame Destination, be it one of our largest or smallest like a 5x7, the size frame you select depends on whether or not you are including mat board. If you are including mat board, the frame size will be larger than the artwork size. If you are not including mat board, the frame size will match the artwork.
- The outside frame size is the very outside of the frame, or the frame’s outside perimeter. It is seldom referred to unless you are concerned about placing the frame in a limited space.
Example: Frames that are 11×14 might actually have an external dimension of 14×17 if the moulding is 1 and ½ inches wide.
- The rabbet depth tells you how much room you have inside the frame for mat board, glazing, and mount board. Some frame mouldings are not deep enough to allow a double mat or an 8-ply mat to fit.
At Frame Destination, most of our frames are deep enough for double mats. Any frame with a 3/8 inch rabbet can handle a double mat.
Even though framing math can seem fuzzy, we hope you can see a bit of method in the madness. And if not, no worries, because Frame Destination is here to help you figure out even the trickiest framing so you can show off your work in the best way possible.
Last Updated November 2, 2021
At Frame Destination, we get a lot of questions about picture frame sizes: “What are standard picture frame sizes?” “What is the picture frame size actually referring to?” “How do I know my artwork will fit?” “How much bigger should a frame be than the picture?” And, of course, “Why are you talking about rabbits?” (They’re […]
In some parts of the country, a new trend has emerged in framing photographs that has turned its back on traditional framing.
Traditional gallery-style picture framing typically consists of a simple black picture frame with a clean, white mat. The goal of this style is to keep the frame and mat board from detracting from the photograph itself.
This framing style also helps provide a sense of consistency among gallery exhibitions, which makes it easier to maintain a theme; this way, gallery attendees aren’t drawn to the frame, but the photos.
A New Framing Fad With White
However, an interesting new trend is to use white picture frames with a white mat board for brightly colored pictures. The goal behind this framing style is to make the image pop — a pure white background around color makes it truly stand out.
White, however versatile, is not considered to be a good idea for framing black and white photographs, nor would it work well with soft pastels images.
It could even be argued that white photo frames are even better for gallery-style framing, since white picture frames with white mat boards should, in theory, detract even less from images than black frames.
Frame Destination has added bright white as a color option for many of our frames, including metal and wood. The Nielsen Profile 117 picture frame is one of our most popular styles — it has the robustness and cost-effectiveness of metal, but with the look of a simple elegant wood profile.
If you are looking for a white gallery-style frame with a little more "heft" than the 117, check out metal frame profile 95 which is wider and taller.
Those that want to stick with a white wood picture frame can select a number of styles, including wood frame profile 502, ideal for smaller prints, which comes in opaque white and white wash. Wood frame profile 810 comes in opaque white and is a tall, wide frame that is ideal for prints or wood panels.
If you are looking for texture, look no further than the big and bold wood frame profile 513 which features a painted finish that shows the wood grain. It is deep enough for standard 3/4 canvases.
In some parts of the country, a new trend has emerged in framing photographs that has turned its back on traditional framing. Traditional gallery-style picture framing typically consists of a simple black picture frame with a clean, white mat. The goal of this style is to keep the frame and mat board from detracting from […]
I love photography and since I own a picture frame company that caters to photographers I get questions just about every day about how to mount photographs. I have created a picture frame info webpage that provides an overview of just about all of the various picture frame mounting techniques and has some in-depth descriptions and pictures of some archival methods that are inexpensive and very easy to do at home. I included info on everything from dry mounting to archival t-hinging. Most importantly I included pictures. When trying to explain a t-hinge mounting technique, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. The page also has some info about different types of acrylic for frames and some info about gallery style picture framing. It is a work in progress so I would love to hear feedback about what else I should add or mistakes.
https://www.framedestination.com/picture-frame-mounting/
Cheers,
Mark
I love photography and since I own a picture frame company that caters to photographers I get questions just about every day about how to mount photographs. I have created a picture frame info webpage that provides an overview of just about all of the various picture frame mounting techniques and has some in-depth descriptions […]