About the Picture Frame Calculator
Our Picture Frame Calculator helps you determine the exact dimensions and materials needed for custom picture frames. Whether you are framing a beloved photograph, a piece of artwork, or a certificate, this tool gives you the inner frame opening, mat board dimensions, outer frame size, total molding length (with a 15% waste allowance), and an optional cost estimate — all in a matter of seconds.
How to Use the Picture Frame Calculator
- Select your unit system — choose Imperial (inches) or Metric (centimetres).
- Enter picture dimensions — the actual width and height of your photo or artwork.
- Enter the molding width — the visible width of the frame border around the picture.
- Enter the mat width — the whitespace (mat board) between your picture and the frame. Set to 0 if you do not want a mat.
- Optionally enter the molding price per linear unit and select your currency to get a total cost estimate.
- Click Calculate to see all dimensions and material requirements instantly.
Picture Frame Calculation Formulas
The calculator uses these formulas:
- Mat board outer size = Picture width/height + 2 × mat width (per side)
- Outer frame size = Mat board outer size + 2 × molding width
- Mat board area = Mat board area − Picture area
- Molding length = 2 × (outer frame width + outer frame height)
- Molding with waste = Molding length × 1.15 (15% added for miter cuts and waste)
- Material cost = Molding with waste × price per unit
Standard Picture Frame Sizes
Imperial (inches)
| Name | Size (in) |
|---|---|
| Wallet | 2.5 × 3.5 |
| Pocket / Postcard | 4 × 6 |
| Standard | 5 × 7 |
| Large Standard | 8 × 10 |
| Portrait | 11 × 14 |
| Poster | 16 × 20 |
| Large Poster | 20 × 24 |
| Gallery | 24 × 36 |
Metric (centimetres)
| Name | Size (cm) |
|---|---|
| A6 | 10.5 × 14.8 |
| A5 | 14.8 × 21 |
| A4 | 21 × 29.7 |
| A3 | 29.7 × 42 |
| A2 | 42 × 59.4 |
| A1 | 59.4 × 84.1 |
| 50 × 70 | 50 × 70 |
| 70 × 100 | 70 × 100 |
Collage Picture Frame Sizes
For collage frames, measure the total opening area you need and divide it into individual picture slots. Use our calculator for each slot size, then add the results together to estimate the total molding length. A typical 4-photo collage frame with 4×6 in slots would require approximately 120–140 in (300–355 cm) of molding.
Tips for Custom Picture Frames
- Always add at least 10–15% extra molding for miter cut waste — our calculator includes this automatically.
- A mat board not only looks elegant but also prevents the picture from touching the glass and being damaged by condensation.
- A standard mat width of 2–3 in (5–7 cm) works well for most standard-size photos.
- For artwork, a wider mat (3–4 in / 7–10 cm) gives a more gallery-like appearance.
- The molding width (border) is the visible part of the frame face. Common widths are 0.75–2 in (2–5 cm).