Photo Frame Size Chart: Standard Frame and Mat Pairings

There’s no single “standard” frame size the way there is for A4 paper, but certain sizes come up again and again for a reason. Here’s what to reach for, by print size and use case, before you default to guessing.

Standard photo frame sizes

The sizes every frame shop stocks, matted and unmatted.

Size	Common use
4x6 in	Desk photos, everyday prints
5x7 in	Gift frames, portraits
8x10 in	Wall art, graduation photos
8x10 in matted (5x7 print)	Gallery-style display
11x14 in	Statement wall pieces
11x14 in matted (8x10 print)	Living room feature frame
16x20 in	Large prints, canvas alternative

Poster and art frame sizes

Size	Common use
18x24 in	Movie posters, event prints
24x36 in	Standard poster size
A3 (11.7x16.5 in)	International print and poster standard
A2 (16.5x23.4 in)	Larger art prints, European sizing
30x40 in	Large statement art, oversized canvas

Specialty and panoramic frame sizes

Size	Common use
4x4 in	Square Instagram-style prints
5x5 in	Square prints, mini gallery walls
10x20 in	Panoramic landscape or skyline shots
12x36 in	Wide panoramic, banner-style prints
8 in diameter circle	Round frames, decorative displays

Standard sizes vs. custom framing, and when to size up

A standard frame size only works if your print is already that size, or close enough that a mat can bridge the gap. A 5x7 print centered in an 8x10 frame with a mat looks intentional; the same print rattling loose inside an 8x10 frame with no mat looks like a mistake. If your print size does not land near a standard, custom framing, or a custom-cut mat, is worth the extra cost. Use the frame and mat size calculator to work out the exact mat opening and outer size before you order. Glass and frame depth also change with size. Anything over 16x20 in usually needs a thicker moulding and, for shipping, acrylic instead of glass to keep the weight and breakage risk down.

Photo frame size FAQs

What is the most common photo frame size?

4x6 inches for everyday prints and 8x10 inches for wall display are the two most commonly stocked sizes, both by frame manufacturers and by print labs.

What size mat should I use with an 8x10 frame?

A 1.5 to 2 inch mat border around a 5x7 print is the standard pairing for an 8x10 frame. Use the frame and mat calculator to get the exact mat opening for any combination.

Is 8x10 the same as A4?

No. 8x10 inches (203x254 mm) is a US photo size; A4 (210x297 mm) is the ISO paper standard. They are close but not interchangeable, an A4 print will not sit flush in an 8x10 frame.

What frame size do I need for a 16x20 print?

A 16x20 inch frame if you want the print to fill the frame with no mat, or a larger frame, such as 20x24 inches, if you want to add a mat border around it.

How do I frame a panoramic photo?

Look for a frame specifically sized for panoramics. Common sizes are 10x20, 12x36, and 8x24 inches, since a standard frame ratio will either crop the image or leave awkward empty space.