All About Picture Frame Sizes - What You Should Know

Jan 28
12:10

2010

Autumn Lockwood

Autumn Lockwood

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Learn how to understand picture frame sizes so you'll always choose the right frame size for your favorite photo.

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Once you understand picture frame sizes,All About Picture Frame Sizes - What You Should Know Articles you will be on your way to displaying all of your favorite photos.Whether you're new to photography or just never understood picture frame sizes, this article will teach you the basics about picture frame sizes and help you always select the right frame size for your photo.Picture Frame Size BasicsThere are a variety of picture frame sizes, but they are typically categorized into standard and non-standard sizes.  Standard sized frames, like a 5x7 or an 8x10 picture frame, are the most common and are what you normally see hanging on the wall or resting on a table top. The term "standard frame size" refers to the regular sizes that are available with most printed photos.Normally, when you buy a picture frame, the size refers to the size of the picture opening not the exterior dimensions of the frame. In the U.S., picture frame sizes are always measured in inches.  In most other parts of the world they are measured in centimeters.Standard picture frame sizes are measured by width and height.  If your photo measures 8(width)x 10(height), you need an 8x10 picture frame. If you have a photo that is a 7 inches wide by 5 inches high, you'll need a 7x5 picture frame. Keep in mind that 7x5 frames can only be used horizontally, while a 5x7 frame can be used horizontally or vertically. The same holds true for 6x4 frames and 10x8 frames compared to 4x6 and 8x10 frames. It will be helpful to remember that 6x4, 7x5 and 10x8 frames can only be used horizontally, while 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10 picture frames can generally go either horizontal or vertical.When selecting any picture frame there are always two things to consider: 1) the photo size the frame holds and 2) how the frame can be displayed.1) Knowing the Actual Photo Size Your Picture Frame HoldsIt is important to note that the picture frame size is the size of the photo the frame will hold and not the overall exterior size of the frame. This is an important distinction and is often a cause of confusion. If you need to quickly check to see if your photo will fit, you can measure the inner opening of the front of the frame where you see the picture. However, this will always give you a smaller measurement than what the actual frame will hold. That’s because every frame has an interior lip that holds the glass and can vary in size. So, if you want to know the exact photo size that your frame will hold, you'll have to remove the frame back to get a more accurate measurement.When measuring a frame correctly, you have to remove the frame backing and open it up. On the inside of the frame there is a ledge that holds the picture and glass. All you do is measure the opening where the glass fits (or measure the glass itself) and you’ll have the correct size of the photo that will fit in your picture frame.2) How Your Frame Can Be DisplayedOne of the most important things in selecting a frame is to know whether the frame can be displayed vertically, horizontally or in both directions.You should always verify this because some photo frames are designed to only be used in a specific direction. Most unique shaped frames, like heart shaped picture frames, can only be displayed one way.  An easy way to check is to look at the mounting hardware on the back of the frame to see how the frame can be displayed.Picture Frame SizesBelow is a list of the most common picture frame sizes.These are for single frames that only hold one photo:2 1/2 x 3 1/2 - wallet size3 ½ x 54x64x10 and 4x12 - panoramic picture frames6x45x55x77x56x88x8, 10x10 and 12x12 - scrapbook picture frames8x1010x88 ½ x 1111x1416x2020x24If you are looking for a frame that will hold multiple pictures, there are double picture frames, triple picture frames and collage picture frames in a variety of sizes. These all come in standard frame sizes but have more than one picture frame opening.You can find picture frames in non-standard sizes however the selection won’t be as large and may take you a lot longer to find.  If you’re looking for a specific size, you can always ask a frame retailer for additional assistance or you can look to have a custom frame made.  If you’re trying to find a less expensive frame for a non-standard size and don’t want a custom made frame, you can always use a picture frame mat to hold your photo in a standard frame size.Now that you have a better understanding of picture frame sizes, you will hopefully save time, energy and money when picking out your perfect picture frame.