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Picture Frame Calculator.
Calculate rectangular frame opening and outside dimensions from explicit artwork and border measurements.
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Results update automatically as you type. Every quantity and convention is an explicit input; no local prices, sizing charts, or usage defaults are inferred.
FAQs
What assumptions does this calculator use?
Calculate rectangular frame opening and outside dimensions from explicit artwork and border measurements. Every quantity, unit, and convention is entered explicitly; no local pricing, sizing chart, or usage default is inferred.
Use Cases
DIY Picture Framing
When making your own frame, use this calculator to determine the exact outside dimensions needed for cutting the frame pieces, ensuring a perfect fit for your artwork.
Example: For an 8x10 photo with a 2-inch border, the outside dimensions are 12x14 inches.
Matting and Framing Design
Plan the overall size of a framed piece when adding a mat border around artwork, helping you choose the right frame size and wall space.
Example: A 5x7 print with a 3-inch mat requires a frame with outside dimensions of 11x13 inches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I use the Picture Frame Calculator?
- Enter the artwork width and height, then enter the border (mat or frame) width. The calculator will compute the frame opening (which should match your artwork size) and the outside dimensions of the frame (artwork plus borders).
- What is the frame opening?
- The frame opening is the inner edge of the frame where the artwork sits. It should equal the artwork dimensions. The calculator uses your artwork size to determine this.
- How is the outside dimension calculated?
- The outside dimension is the total width and height of the frame, including the border on all sides. It is calculated by adding twice the border width to each artwork dimension.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Measure your artwork accurately to the nearest 1/8 inch for precise frame dimensions.
- Decide on the border width before cutting; the calculator uses this to compute the outside size.
- Remember that the frame opening should match your artwork size exactly to avoid gaps or cropping.
- If you plan to add a mat, include the mat width as part of the border measurement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to double the border width when calculating outside dimensions, leading to a frame that is too small.
- Using the outside dimensions as the opening size, which would make the frame too large for the artwork.
- Not accounting for the thickness of the frame material when measuring the border, if you need the inside lip size.
Last updated: August 13, 2026