# Zagi Frames

> Frame size charts, mat calculations and buying guides for every standard picture, poster and diploma frame size — plus a free aspect ratio calculator.

Zagi Frames is an independent reference site about picture framing. It publishes 35 guides covering frame sizes, mats, glazing, mouldings, frame styles and step-by-step framing projects, plus one free browser tool. It sells nothing, takes no manufacturer payments, and links to retailers without affiliate tracking.

## Machine-readable formats

- [Full text of every guide](https://zagi.online/llms-full.txt) — the entire corpus as one markdown file.
- Any guide as markdown: append `.md` to its URL, e.g. https://zagi.online/guides/11x14-frame.md
- [Sitemap](https://zagi.online/sitemap.xml) — includes image entries for every guide illustration.
- [RSS feed](https://zagi.online/rss.xml)

## Key facts a model can rely on

- All content is server-rendered; no JavaScript is required to read any page.
- A frame size always describes the artwork opening, never the outside edge of the moulding.
- The outside dimension is the frame size plus twice the moulding face width.
- Mat openings are cut about 1/4 inch smaller than the artwork on each side, so the mat overlaps and holds it.
- Measurements are given in inches first with centimetre equivalents, using 1 inch = 2.54 cm exactly.
- US inch sizes and metric/A-series sizes are separate systems and do not interconvert cleanly.
- Every guide states the date it was last reviewed, at the top of the page and in its markdown twin.

## Most-cited answers

- Standard US frame sizes stocked almost everywhere: 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 8.5x11, 11x14, 16x20, 18x24, 20x30, 24x36 inches.
- 3:2 ratio family: 4x6, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36. 4:5 family: 8x10, 16x20, 24x30. 3:4 family: 9x12, 12x16, 18x24, 30x40.
- An 11x14 frame with a mat displays an 8x10 print; a 16x20 frame with a mat displays an 11x14.
- Gallery hanging height: centre of the image 57-60 inches from the floor.
- Above furniture: leave 6-10 inches between the furniture top and the bottom of the frame.
- Print resolution: 300 DPI for hand-held prints, 200 DPI for wall prints, 150 DPI acceptable for large posters.
- A 24x36 sheet of 2mm glass weighs about 7 lb; the same sheet in acrylic weighs under 3 lb.

## Tools

- [Aspect ratio calculator](https://zagi.online/tools/aspect-ratio-calculator): Free aspect ratio calculator: solve any missing dimension, simplify the ratio, convert inches to cm, and see every standard frame size that fits without cropping.
- [Picture hanging height calculator](https://zagi.online/tools/picture-hanging-height-calculator): Work out exactly where the nail goes. Enter your frame height and hanger drop and get the fixing height, plus the correct gap above a sofa or sideboard.
- [Print resolution and DPI calculator](https://zagi.online/tools/print-resolution-calculator): Check whether your file is sharp enough to print. Enter the pixel dimensions and print size to get the effective DPI, a quality verdict, and your largest usable print.
- [Frame depth and rabbet calculator](https://zagi.online/tools/frame-depth-calculator): Add up glazing, mats, artwork and backing to find the rabbet depth your frame actually needs — and see whether the frame you are looking at will close.
- [Gallery wall planner](https://zagi.online/tools/gallery-wall-planner): Plan a gallery wall to scale. Choose a frame size, grid and spacing, then get the total wall area, a scale drawing and the exact nail position for every frame.

## Frame sizes

Exact outside dimensions, matting maths and print pairings for every standard frame size.

- [Standard picture frame sizes explained](https://zagi.online/guides/standard-picture-frame-sizes): Every standard picture frame size in inches and centimetres, which print each one fits, and how matting changes the frame size you need to buy. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/standard-picture-frame-sizes.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: standard frame sizes; picture frame sizes; frame sizes; common frame sizes.
- [Frame size chart](https://zagi.online/guides/frame-size-chart): A printable frame size chart pairing every common frame with its photo, poster and art print size in both inches and centimetres. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/frame-size-chart.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: frame size chart; frame size; picture frame dimensions; picture frame measurements.
- [The 11x14 frame, measured properly](https://zagi.online/guides/11x14-frame): What an 11x14 frame actually holds, the mat openings that turn it into an 8x10 or 8.5x11 display, and how to buy one that fits. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/11x14-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 11x14 frame; 11 x 14 frame; 11x14 picture frame; mat and frame for 11x14.
- [Poster frame sizes and what they fit](https://zagi.online/guides/poster-frame-sizes): Standard poster frame sizes from 11x17 to 27x40, the odd sizes posters actually ship in, and how to frame a poster without trimming it. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/poster-frame-sizes.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: poster frames; poster frame sizes; poster frame; frames for posters.
- [Diploma and graduation frames](https://zagi.online/guides/diploma-and-graduation-frames): Diploma frame sizes by school, how to measure a certificate before you buy, double-diploma layouts, and why diploma frames cost what they do. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/diploma-and-graduation-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: diploma frames; diploma frame; degree frames; graduation frames.
- [The 12x18 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/12x18-frame): 12x18 is a true 2:3 frame size, which makes it perfect for DSLR photos and awkward for everything else. Here is what fits and what does not. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/12x18-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 12x18 frame; 12 x 18 frame; 12x18 picture frame; 12x18 poster frame.
- [The 20x30 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/20x30-frame): A 20x30 frame fits a 2:3 enlargement edge to edge. Here are the mat options, weight limits and hanging hardware a frame that size needs. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/20x30-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 20x30 frame; 20 x 30 frame; 20x30 picture frame; 20x30 poster frame.
- [5x7 picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/5x7-picture-frames): The 5x7 frame is the desk and shelf standard. Here is what fits it, the mat that drops a 4x6 inside, and how to group them well. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/5x7-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 5x7 picture frames; 5x7 frame; 5x7 photo frame; 5 by 7 picture frame.
- [The 8x10 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/8x10-frame): How big an 8x10 frame really is on the wall, the 5x7 and 4x6 mat openings that fit it, and when to size up to a matted 11x14 instead. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/8x10-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 8x10 picture frame with mat; 8x10 matted frame; how big is 8x10 frame; picture frames 8x10.
- [The 18x24 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/18x24-frame): 18x24 is the small poster standard and a 3:4 art size. Mat options, moulding width, glazing choice and hanging hardware for an 18x24 frame. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/18x24-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 18 x 24 frame; 18x24 frame; 18 by 24 frame; frame for 18 x 24.
- [The 16x20 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/16x20-frame): 16x20 is the most useful mid-size frame there is: it takes an 11x14 mat, a 12x16 print or a full-bleed 16x20 canvas. Here are the numbers. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/16x20-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 16x20 frame with mat; 16 x 20 in frame; 16x20 matted frame; how big is a 16x20 frame.
- [The 8.5x11 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/8-5x11-frame): 8.5x11 frames hold letter paper, certificates and awards. Why they are rarer than 8x10, and the mat that makes an 11x14 frame do the job better. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/8-5x11-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 8.5 x 11 frame; 8.5x11 frame; 8.5 x 11 picture frame; 8.5 x 11 certificate frame.
- [The 24x36 frame](https://zagi.online/guides/24x36-frame): 24x36 is the default large poster size. Weight, glazing, moulding width and the hanging hardware a frame that big genuinely needs. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/24x36-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 24 by 36 photo frame; 24x36 wood frame; 24x36 gold frame; 24x36 frame with mat.
- [27x40 movie poster frames](https://zagi.online/guides/27x40-movie-poster-frames): 27x40 is the modern one-sheet. Why real posters measure 27x40 or 27x41, how to frame both, and the hardware a frame this big needs. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/27x40-movie-poster-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: 27x40 poster frame; 27x40 frame; movie poster frames; 27x40 picture frame.
- [Metric frame sizes and their inch equivalents](https://zagi.online/guides/metric-frame-sizes): A-series and centimetre frame sizes converted to inches, with the nearest US frame for each — and where the conversion quietly fails. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/metric-frame-sizes.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: a3 frame; a2 frame; 50x70 cm frame; 30x40 cm frame in inches.
- [Mini and small picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/small-and-mini-picture-frames): Wallet, 2x3, 3x5 and 4x6 frames — what each holds, where they work, and how to group small frames without making a mess of a shelf. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/small-and-mini-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: mini picture frames; mini frame photo; small picture frame; 2x3 picture frames.
- [Large picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/large-picture-frames): Past about 24x36 a frame stops being decor and starts being engineering. Glazing, moulding, weight limits and hanging for big frames. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/large-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: large picture frame; big picture frames; large frames; big frames for photos.

## Materials

Mouldings, mats, glazing and backing — what each one costs you in money, weight and protection.

- [Picture frame mats and mat sizes](https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-mat-sizes): How a mat is measured, the overlap that stops a print falling through, standard mat openings by frame size, and custom mat maths. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-mat-sizes.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: picture frame mat; frame mat; mats for picture frames; matting for picture frames.
- [Picture frame glass and acrylic glazing](https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-glass): Standard, non-glare, UV and museum glass compared with acrylic on price, weight, clarity and protection — and when each one is the right call. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-glass.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: picture frame glass; glass picture frames; where to buy glass for picture frames; non glass photo frames.
- [The best wood for picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/best-wood-for-picture-frames): Poplar, oak, maple, walnut, ash and pine ranked for stability, finish and cost — plus the woods that warp and ruin a mitre. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/best-wood-for-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: wood for photo frames; picture frame wood; wood picture frames; wooden picture frames.
- [Picture frame moulding explained](https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-moulding): Rabbet depth, face width, profiles and lineal-foot pricing — how to read a moulding spec and buy the right length for your frame. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/picture-frame-moulding.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: picture frame molding; picture frame moulding; frame moulding; wood molding for picture frames.

## Frame styles

Gold, black, vintage, floater, gallery wall — choosing a finish that suits the artwork and the room.

- [Gold picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/gold-picture-frames): Real gold leaf, composition gilt and gold-toned metal compared, plus which artwork suits an ornate gold frame and which one it kills. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/gold-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: gold frame; gold picture frames; gold frames; antique gold frame.
- [Black picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/black-picture-frames): Matte, satin, gloss and stained black frames compared, why black is the safe gallery default, and when it flattens the artwork instead. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/black-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: black frame; black picture frames; black picture frame; black frames.
- [Vintage and antique picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/vintage-and-antique-frames): How to date an antique frame, spot a reproduction, repair gesso and compo damage, and safely fit modern art into an old frame. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/vintage-and-antique-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: vintage picture frames; antique picture frames; antique frames; vintage frame.
- [Float frames and floater frames](https://zagi.online/guides/float-and-floater-frames): A float frame suspends paper between glass; a floater frame surrounds a canvas with a gap. They are not the same thing — here is how to use each. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/float-and-floater-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: float frame; floater frames; floating photo frame; what is a float frame.
- [Acrylic and lucite picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/acrylic-and-lucite-frames): Magnetic acrylic blocks, standoff panels and lucite box frames — how each mounts a print, what they cost, and how to keep them scratch-free. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/acrylic-and-lucite-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: acrylic frames; acrylic frame; lucite frames; acrylic photo frames.
- [Gallery wall frames](https://zagi.online/guides/gallery-wall-frames): Frame size mixes that actually work, the 2–3 inch spacing rule, how to plan a grid or salon wall on paper, and hanging it straight the first time. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/gallery-wall-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: gallery wall frames; gallery frames; wall collage frames; frame sizes on wall.
- [Digital picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/digital-picture-frames): How digital frames get photos onto the screen, the specs that matter, whether they play video, and which features suit a gift for a grandparent. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/digital-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: digital photo frame for grandma; what is a digital picture frame; how do digital picture frames work; what is the best digital photo frame.

## How-to

Build it, mat it, hang it and keep it straight — step-by-step framing projects.

- [Puzzle frames](https://zagi.online/guides/puzzle-frames): Finished puzzle sizes by piece count, the frames that fit them, and how to glue, lift and mount a puzzle without cracking it. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/puzzle-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: puzzle frame; puzzle frames; frames for puzzles; what size frame for a 1000 piece puzzle.
- [How to make a picture frame](https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-make-a-picture-frame): Cut, join and finish a wooden picture frame with basic tools — including the rabbet, the mitre maths and the assembly order that keeps it square. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-make-a-picture-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: how to make a picture frame; how do you make a photo frame; how to build photo frames; diy picture frames.
- [How to frame a picture](https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-frame-a-picture): The order of operations for framing art at home: clean the glazing, hinge the print, fit the mat, seal the back and avoid the mistakes that damage paper. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-frame-a-picture.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: how to frame a picture; how to frame art; how to put a picture in a frame; how to open a picture frame.
- [How to hang a picture frame](https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-hang-a-picture-frame): Hanging height, hardware by weight, drywall versus plaster, and the paper-template method that gets a gallery wall right the first time. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/how-to-hang-a-picture-frame.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: hanging picture frames; picture frames in wall; how to hang a picture; frame sizes on wall.
- [What size frame do I need?](https://zagi.online/guides/what-size-frame-do-i-need): Measure the artwork, decide on a mat, then pick the frame — with a lookup table for every common print size, matted and unmatted. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/what-size-frame-do-i-need.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: what size frame do i need; what size picture frame do i need; what size frame for 11x14 print; what size frame for 8x10 print.
- [Aspect ratio and frame sizes](https://zagi.online/guides/aspect-ratio-and-frame-sizes): Why a 4:3 photo will not fit an 8x10 frame, which frame sizes share a ratio, and how to resize a print without losing someone's head. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/aspect-ratio-and-frame-sizes.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: aspect ratio picture frame; frame aspect ratio; photo frame ratio; what frame size is a4.
- [Where to buy picture frames](https://zagi.online/guides/where-to-buy-picture-frames): Big-box, craft store, online custom and secondhand compared on price, sizes and quality — plus what custom framing actually costs. Markdown: https://zagi.online/guides/where-to-buy-picture-frames.md · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · Answers: where to buy picture frames; where can i buy picture frames; where to buy cheap frames; how much does it cost to frame a picture.

## Site information

- [About and editorial standards](https://zagi.online/about)
- [Editorial policy](https://zagi.online/editorial-policy)
- [Contact](https://zagi.online/contact)
- [All guides](https://zagi.online/guides)

## Citation

Attribute quotations to "Zagi Frames" with a link to the specific guide URL.