If you’re new to the world of picture taking and frames then this will give you the info you need to understand picture frame sizes.

Picture frames come in a huge selection of sizes but they are generally categorized into standard and non-standard sizes. Standard means that the sizes are more common and are typically standard photo sizes. So, anytime you hear standard frame size, you really should be thinking about the size of your picture.

Frame sizes are measured in inches in the US and centimeters in most other parts of the world. The standard way to measure picture frames is by measuring width by height.

Just remember that the frame size is intended to represent the size of the picture NOT the exterior size of the frame. So, if you ever wanted to measure a frame to see if it was the right size measure the inside dimension of the opening not the outside dimensions of the frame. Keep in mind that the frame will always be a little smaller than your actual image. For example a 4×6 frame will often have an opening that’s 3 3/4 by 5 3/4.  Keep in mind that there has to be a ledge that keeps the glass and picture in place so there will always be a thin border around your picture that you won’t see in the frame. The only way to measure the opening exactly is by opening up the frame and removing the back so you can measure the size of the glass.

So before you buy a frame always pay attention to whether the frame can be used both vertically or horizontally. Often times, you will find a frame that can only be used in one direction. Usually these easel back stands have a flat edge like shown in the picture. You can spot these frames a couple of different ways.  One way is because of the frame shape. For example a heart shaped frame can’t be turned on its side. Another way is to look for any decorations on the frame that imply the frame has to sit in one direction.  And the last thing to look at is the back of the frame. If you plan to use the frame on a table instead of a wall, you’ll need to check if the easel on the back can be used as both a vertical and horizontal frame. You can spot these easel back stands because they will have a “pointed” stand like shown in the picture (on the bottom right).

Now that you know that frames are always measured in width by height, here are the most common frame sizes that you’ll generally find:

Standard Frame Sizes

• 2 ½ x 3 ½  (wallet size)
• 3 ½ x 5
• 4×6 (vertical or horizontal)
• 3 1/2 x 5, 4×10 or 4×12 (panoramic frames)
• 6×4 (a 4×6 standing horizontal)
• 5×5
• 5×7
• 7×5 (a 5×7 standing horizontal)
• 8×10
• 10×8 (8×10 standing horizontal)
• 8×8, 10×10, 12×12 (scrapbook frames)
• 8 ½ x 11 (certificate size)
• 8×12
• 11×14
• 16×20
• 20×24

Now, just because a size isn’t on this list doesn’t mean it’s not available- it’s just not as common as other sizes. However, if you have a unusual size, it’s likely that you may need to have a custom frame made.

There are also other sizes or types of frames that have multiple “openings” or “windows.”  These frames are very common and are often called doubles, triples, multi or collage picture frames.

Double picture frames have two identical openings  that normally fit two 2.5×3.5, 4×6, 5×7 or 8×10 pictures and are often used for portraits.  Triple picture frames, on the other hand, have three openings and normally fit three 2.5×3.5, 4×6 or 5×7 pictures (8×10 triple frames are hard to find due to the large size of the frame).

And lastly there is the multi picture frame or collage picture frame.  Collage picture frames have multiple openings or windows in them and can hold as few as 3 different sized photos up to a dozen or more pictures. They normally are hung as wall frames because of their size and allow for a wide selection of different pictures sizes to be displayed. If you have a lot of smaller pictures and want them to all fit in one large picture frame then you definitely want a collage frame.

Hopefully, you’ll now be better informed the next time you shop for a frame.