Picture frames do more than just hold artwork—they enhance it, protect it, and help it feel at home in your space. But when it comes to choosing the right frame, the numbers can get confusing. If you've ever wondered why an 11 x 14 frame doesn't seem to show your full 11 x 14 image, or why the frame itself looks larger than expected, you're not alone.
In this guide, we'll walk you through what picture frame sizes actually mean, how to measure accurately, and why not all of your image may be visible once it's framed. Plus, we’ll explain how the width of the moulding affects the total footprint of your frame.
What Does a Frame Size Really Mean?
When a frame is labeled 8 x 10, 11 x 14, or 16 x 20, that size refers to the dimensions of the artwork or photo it is meant to hold, not the full size of the frame itself.
To better understand how this works, here’s what you need to know:
- The advertised size refers to the image size. An 11 x 14 frame is made to hold an image that is exactly 11 inches by 14 inches.
- The opening on the back of the frame is cut to match that size. Your artwork or photo will fit directly into that opening without needing to be trimmed.
- Part of the image will be slightly covered by the frame. Most frames have a built-in overlap—about 1/4 inch on all sides—that secures the artwork and keeps it from falling through the front. This means the visible area from the front will be slightly smaller than the artwork size. For an 11 x 14 frame, only around 10.5 x 13.5 inches of the image will be visible.
- This overlap is standard across most picture frames. It’s not a flaw—it's a functional part of frame construction. Without it, the glass, mat, and image would not stay in place.
If your image includes important elements near the edges, or if you want every bit of it to show, consider using a mat with a larger frame to preserve the full view.
How Moulding Affects the Overall Frame Size
While frame size refers to the opening for your image, the total outer dimensions of the frame will vary depending on the width of the moulding—the material that surrounds and defines the border of the frame.
For example:
- A 5 x 7 frame with a 1-inch moulding will have outer dimensions of roughly 7 x 9 inches.
- A 16 x 20 frame with a 2.5-inch moulding will have outer dimensions around 21 x 25 inches.
This difference becomes important when planning gallery walls, fitting frames into shelving or tight spaces, or ordering multiple frames that need to line up precisely. Always measure the full outer dimensions if space is a factor.
Standard Picture Frame Sizes
Here are some of the most common frame sizes and their typical uses:
| 4 x 6 | Personal photos, small keepsakes |
| 5 x 7 | Portraits, tabletop displays |
| 8 x 10 | Family photos, small art prints |
| 11 x 14 | Certificates, medium art prints |
| 12 x 16 | Gallery wall pieces |
| 16 x 20 | Posters, large photography and art prints |
| 18 x 24 | Fine art prints |
| 24 x 36 | Statement wall art, movie posters |
Measure Smarter, Frame Better
Understanding standard picture frame sizes makes it easier to shop with confidence, frame your favorite pieces correctly, and create a clean, cohesive look in your home. To recap:
- The frame size always refers to the image size it holds.
- A small portion of your image (usually 1/4 inch on each side) will be covered by the frame’s inner edge.
- The outer dimensions of the frame depend on the width of the moulding and can vary widely.
With this knowledge, you can choose frames that not only fit your artwork—but also your space and style. Whether you're building a gallery wall, curating a minimalist display, or highlighting a single piece, Frametolia’s collection of handcrafted wood frames is designed to elevate every image with precision and elegance.
