Standard Picture Frame Sizes: Complete Chart with Measurements

Standard picture frame sizes are the off-the-shelf dimensions you see at most framing shops and big-box stores: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, and 24x36 inches. This chart lists every common picture frame size, what each one is good for, the print-to-frame pairings that work with a mat board, and when a custom-cut frame ends up being the smarter choice than a standard size.

Small Frames

These sizes work for tabletop displays, desks, and small wall spots.

4x6 inches

• The most common photo print size
• Fits on desks, shelves, and side tables
• Good for snapshots and everyday photos
• Works well in groups of three or more

5x7 inches

• A step up from 4x6
• Popular for portraits and school photos
• Looks good on a shelf or a wall
• Easy to find prints in this size

8x10 inches

• The single most popular frame size
• Works for photos, art prints, and awards
• Big enough for a wall, small enough for a shelf
• The go-to size for portraits

Medium Frames

These sizes are for art prints, enlarged photos, and displays that need more wall space.

11x14 inches

• Common for art prints and enlarged photos
• Fits an 8x10 photo with a mat around it
• Good for diplomas and certificates
• A strong pick for home or office walls

12x16 inches

• A less common but useful size
• Good for landscape photos
• Nice for mid-sized art prints
• Fills wall space without taking over

16x20 inches

• A big step up in wall impact
• Fits an 11x14 print with a mat
• Makes a strong statement in any room
• Great as a center piece on a wall

Large Frames

These sizes fill big walls and make bold statements.

18x24 inches

• A common poster size
• Strong wall presence
• Fits a 16x20 photo with a mat
• Popular for art prints and copies

20x24 inches

• For larger artwork and photos
• Looks great in living rooms and offices
• Strong enough to anchor a wall on its own
• Good for gallery-style hanging

24x36 inches

• Standard movie poster size
• Makes a big impact on a wall
• Needs a solid section of wall space
• Best with acrylic glazing to keep the weight down

27x40 inches

• Full movie poster size
• A real showpiece
• Needs strong hardware and wall support
• Great for collectors and themed rooms

Which Frame Fits Which Photo?

Use a mat board to frame a smaller print inside a bigger frame. Here are the most common pairings:

To learn more about mats, see our mat board guide.

Common Poster and Print Sizes

Small Posters

• 11x17 inches
• 12x18 inches
• 16x20 inches

Medium Posters

• 18x24 inches
• 20x30 inches
• 24x36 inches (the standard movie poster)

Large Posters

• 27x40 inches (full movie poster)
• 36x48 inches (oversized)

Art Prints

Art prints come in these common sizes:

• 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, 24x30, 30x40

Shape Matters: Tall, Wide, or Square

Photos and prints come in different shapes. Knowing the shape helps you pick the right frame.

Tall and Narrow (2:3 shape)

• 4x6, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30
• The shape most cameras shoot in
• The classic photo look

Almost Square (4:5 shape)

• 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, 20x24
• Common for portraits
• The classic frame shape

In-Between (5:7 shape)

• 5x7, 10x14, 15x21
• A popular print size
• Just a little narrower than 4:5

Perfect Square

• 8x8, 10x10, 12x12, 16x16, 20x20
• Great for social media prints
• Clean, modern look
• Works well in groups

When a Standard Size Works

A standard frame is a great pick when:

• Your print matches a common size
• You want to save money
• You are framing a poster or mass-produced print
• You can trim the edges slightly to fit
• You are building a gallery wall and want matching frames
• You need the frame fast

When You Need a Custom Cut

A custom frame is the better choice when:

• Your art does not match any standard size
• You have an original piece you cannot trim
• A standard frame would leave too much mat around the art
• You want the frame to fit a specific spot on the wall
• The piece is valuable or one of a kind
• Your art has an odd shape or non-standard measurements

Our frames are cut to your exact sizes, down to 1/8 of an inch. You get a tight, clean fit with no guesswork.

Overseas Paper Sizes

If you are framing something printed on international paper, these sizes are a little different from US sizes:

• A4: 8.3 x 11.7 inches (close to letter size, but not exact)
• A3: 11.7 x 16.5 inches
• A2: 16.5 x 23.4 inches

These do not line up with US standard frames, so a custom cut frame is usually the way to go.

Frames for Specific Items

Diplomas and Certificates

• 8.5 x 11 inches (letter size)
• 11 x 14 inches (with a mat for a letter-size document)
• 11 x 17 inches (for oversized certificates)

Wide Photos (Panoramic)

• 10x20, 12x36, 20x60
• Great for landscape shots and city views

Square Photos

• 8x8, 12x12, 16x16, 20x20
• Popular for social media prints and modern art

What Size Looks Right in Each Room?

Bedroom

• Small to medium: 5x7, 8x10, 11x14
• Personal photos and quiet art
• Groups of frames or a small gallery wall

Living Room

• Medium to large: 16x20, 18x24, 24x36
• The main piece people see when they walk in
• Match the frame to the size of your furniture

Office or Study

• Small to medium: 8x10, 11x14
• Diplomas, awards, and quotes
• Clean, simple frames

Hallway

• Mixed sizes in a line or gallery wall
• Use even sizes for a neat row, or varied sizes for more energy
• Think about how close people stand when they walk by

Dining Room

• Medium to large: 16x20, 20x24
• Art prints or family photos
• A single big piece or a small group

How Big Is That? A Quick Mental Picture

• 4x6 is about the size of a postcard
• 5x7 is close to a greeting card
• 8x10 is a little bigger than a piece of notebook paper
• 11x14 is about the size of a large notebook
• 16x20 is close to a magazine spread
• 24x36 is about the size of a small poster board

Ready to Pick Your Size?

1. Measure your art (see our measuring guide for help)
2. Check this chart to see if a standard size works
3. Add a mat if you want to use a bigger frame for a smaller piece
4. Open our frame designer and enter your sizes
5. See the price and preview before you order

Standard or custom, our frame designer shows you exactly what your finished frame will look like and what it will cost. Every frame is cut to your exact sizes and built to order.

Not sure which size fits your piece? Contact us at hello@custompictureframes.com or call 1 (800) 916-8770. We will help you figure it out.