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Measuring Art
How to Measure Artwork for Framing
Framing your artwork is an exciting and rewarding process. With a few simple steps, you can ensure your finished piece fits beautifully and looks just how you envisioned (or even better). Accurate measurements are the key to a professional result. In this guide, we’ll explain how to measure your art for framing, whether you’re using a mat, skipping one, floating your artwork on top of a mat, or framing a stretched canvas.
Why Measuring Artwork Correctly Matters
Precise measurements make sure your artwork fits securely within its frame and looks professionally finished. Whether you are framing a watercolor, a photograph, a signed print, or a canvas, the right measuring method prevents common mistakes like artwork that slides or mats that don’t align. Once you have your measurements, our website automatically calculates everything for you. All you need to do is enter your art size, and we’ll ensure a flawless, custom fit.
Most Common Measurement Options
Understanding which framing method you’ll use helps you measure your artwork correctly from the start. The most common options are:
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Framing With a Mat – Adds space between your artwork and the frame for depth and visual balance.
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Framing Without a Mat – Ideal for edge-to-edge framing with a clean, modern look.
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Floating Artwork on Top of a Mat – Displays the entire edge of your piece for a dimensional, gallery-style presentation.
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Framing a Stretched Canvas – Canvas pieces are measured differently since they are already mounted on stretcher bars.
How to Measure Artwork for Framing with a Mat
Understanding Mat Window Size and Overlap
When framing with a mat, the open cut is called the mat window. This window is usually cut 1/8 inch smaller on each side, which means the total opening is 1/4 inch smaller than your artwork’s true size. (Please note: You do not need to make this adjustment yourself. Our online frame designer automatically applies the correct overlap for a perfect fit).
For example, if your artwork measures 11 x 14 inches, the mat window will be cut to 10 ¾ x 13 ¾ inches. This small overlap keeps your art in place without showing any unwanted edges.
If your artwork includes a signature, simply make sure you include it in your measurements. If you’re concerned that the overlap may cover the signature, feel free to adjust the overlap from 1/8 inch to 0 inches to keep it fully visible.
Step-by-Step: Measuring for a Mat
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16 inch.
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Measure the exact width and height of your artwork. Do not add extra space.
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Enter these dimensions as the Art Size in our frame designer.
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If your artwork has a signature, include it in your measurements.
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We’ll automatically add a 3-inch mat border, which you can adjust to your preference.
How to Measure a Picture for a Frame (No Mat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16".
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Measure the artwork’s width and height and use these exact measurements of the art. No extra space is needed.
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As you design your frame, enter these numbers as the art size. Our website takes care of the rest.
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If your artwork includes a signature, be sure to include that in your measurements.
How to Measure Artwork for Framing Without a Mat
Framing without a mat is a great choice for posters, photos, or prints when you want a sleek, minimal presentation.
Understanding the Frame Lip
Every picture frame has a small front edge called the lip, which overlaps your artwork by about 1/4 inch to hold it in place. The size you enter in our frame builder is the inside frame dimension, while the visible opening will be slightly smaller due to this lip.
If you want every edge of your artwork to show, check the product details for each frame before ordering.
Step-by-Step: Measuring Without a Mat
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16 inch.
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Measure your artwork’s exact width and height.
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Enter these numbers as the Art Size in our frame designer.
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When prompted to select a mat, choose None.
How to Measure Artwork for Framing Without a Mat
Framing without a mat is a great choice for posters, photos, or prints when you want a sleek, minimal presentation.
Understanding the Frame Lip
Every picture frame has a small front edge called the lip, which overlaps your artwork by about 1/4 inch to hold it in place. The size you enter in our frame builder is the inside frame dimension, while the visible opening will be slightly smaller due to this lip.
If you want every edge of your artwork to show, check the product details for each frame before ordering.
Step-by-Step: Measuring Without a Mat
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16 inch.
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Measure your artwork’s exact width and height.
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Enter these numbers as the Art Size in our frame designer.
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When prompted to select a mat, choose None.
How to Measure Art to Float on a Mat or Backing Board
Floating artwork allows the entire piece, including deckled or torn edges, to remain visible. The art is mounted on top of a backing board instead of behind a mat window.
(Note: This is different from a canvas float frame.)
How to Think About Frame Size for Floating Art
Your artwork will be mounted on an uncut mat board, leaving a visible border of the color around it. This technique is perfect for fine art prints, handmade paper, or historical documents where edge detail is part of the design.
Step-by-Step: Measuring for Floating Artwork
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16 inch.
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Measure your artwork’s exact width and height.
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In the frame designer, select the Uncut Mat option.
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Enter your measurements as the Art Size.
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Our system will add a 3-inch float border to your art size as it calculates frame size.
How to Measure Art to Float on a Mat or Backing Board
Floating artwork allows the entire piece, including deckled or torn edges, to remain visible. The art is mounted on top of a backing board instead of behind a mat window.
(Note: This is different from a canvas float frame.)
How to Think About Frame Size for Floating Art
Your artwork will be mounted on an uncut mat board, leaving a visible border of the color around it. This technique is perfect for fine art prints, handmade paper, or historical documents where edge detail is part of the design.
Step-by-Step: Measuring for Floating Artwork
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Use a ruler or tape measure accurate to 1/16 inch.
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Measure your artwork’s exact width and height.
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In the frame designer, select the Uncut Mat option.
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Enter your measurements as the Art Size.
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Our system will add a 3-inch float border to your art size as it calculates frame size.
Measuring Canvas Art for a Frame
What to Know About Canvas Float Frames
Canvas float frames are a high design, economical, easy option for giving your canvas a professional finish, elevating your art by making it appear to float in the frame. It’s a highly sophisticated option that’s been an artist secret for decades.
Measuring Width, Height, and Depth Accurately
Canvas art isn’t always square or flat.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
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Measure at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and the left, center, and right for height.
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Measure the depth of the canvas stretcher bars and choose a frame with a rabbet (inner channel) that’s deeper than your canvas.
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Don’t forget to include folded corners. These can add up to 1/8" to your dimensions.
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Use the largest number in each direction for width, height and depth.
Measuring Canvas Art for a Frame
What to Know About Canvas Float Frames
Canvas float frames are a high design, economical, easy option for giving your canvas a professional finish, elevating your art by making it appear to float in the frame. It’s a highly sophisticated option that’s been an artist secret for decades.
Measuring Width, Height, and Depth Accurately
Canvas art isn’t always square or flat.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
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Measure at the top, middle, and bottom for width, and the left, center, and right for height.
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Measure the depth of the canvas stretcher bars and choose a frame with a rabbet (inner channel) that’s deeper than your canvas.
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Don’t forget to include folded corners. These can add up to 1/8" to your dimensions.
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Use the largest number in each direction for width, height and depth.
Final Tips for Ordering the Right Frame Size
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Double-check your measurements. Measure to the nearest 1/16 inch for accuracy.
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Let us handle the math. There’s no need to add allowances or extra space. Our PrecisionCut™ process ensures your frame fits flawlessly.
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Ask for help anytime. Our experts and online Help Center are always available to guide you through the design process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my artwork has a signature?
A: When matting a signed piece, include the signature area in your total Art Size so it remains visible. You can:
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Add extra space below the artwork to balance the signature visually, or
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Measure from the outer edge of the art to the outer edge of the signature and include that full area in your Art Size for even borders.
Q: How do I calculate the correct mat size?
A: Simply enter your Art Size in the frame designer. The system will automatically apply the correct overlap. For signed artwork, choose 0-inch overlap. We default to 3-inch borders, which you can preview and adjust before you buy.
Q: How can I make sure I measured correctly?
A: After placing your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all materials and exact dimensions. If you’re ever unsure before, during, or after ordering, our team is happy to help by phone, video call, or in our showroom.
Measuring art isn't rocket science, but there are things to be aware of.
Measuring Your Artwork
Measuring artwork may not be rocket science, but there are some procedures to follow that help ensure a perfect-fitting mat and picture frame.
First, remember that the first inch on most rulers and tape measures is not a true inch. Start from the second inch for a more exact measurement – don’t forget to subtract an inch for the final number. Be sure to measure to the closest 1/16". (If you're a math enthusiast, know that there is no need to add any allowances to your measurements for frame fitting. We take care of that on our end.)
Use the following measuring suggestions to help get the perfect art frame every time:
Measuring artwork to frame without a mat
When framing artwork without a mat, measure the width and height of the art, entering those numbers as the art size when ordering. The art size is the inside measurement of the frame – not the opening at the front of the frame. The frame lip will overlap the artwork by approximately 1/4".
Measuring Artwork to Frame With a Mat
The mat window is typically cut 1/4" smaller in both directions, allowing the mat to overlap the artwork by 1/8" on all sides. This enables the art to stay secure in the framing treatment without the risk of falling through the window opening. The American Frame website automatically calculates this when you order a custom frame package. Just measure the width and height of the artwork, entering those amounts as the art size when ordering.
Measuring Canvas for Framing
Canvas isn’t always square, so we recommend measuring at the top, middle, and bottom in both directions for the most accurate measurement. If these numbers vary, order a frame with the largest measurement to ensure the canvas fits. If the measurements vary by more than 1/4", a canvas float frame is recommended.
Be sure to include the additional canvas folded at the corners – not just the size of the stretcher bars. The folded canvas can add up to 1/8" to the measurement. Remember to also take the canvas depth into consideration. Select a frame with a rabbet depth – the inner portion of the frame that holds the canvas – that is deeper than the canvas stretcher bars.
Note: Rabbet depth of all our picture frames can be found on the frame detail page as the “R” measurement.
Measuring Artwork to Float Within a Frame
A floating treatment can be a good option if the artwork is on textured paper, has a deckled edge, or is a time-worn document for which seeing the edges adds character.
First, the artwork must be attached to an uncut mat board or mounting board. To do this, measure the width and height of the art. Then decide how much of a border you want around the piece. Add the border width on the left and right to your overall width. Then, add the border width from the top and bottom to your overall height. This total is the size of the uncut mat, frame, acrylic, and mounting board needed.
Measuring Artwork with an Existing Border or Reveal
Prints and photographs often have a border around them that the owner may want to display because the artist signature resides there. Measure the artwork, including the extra space you want to be showing. Double the border width, adding this number to the artwork dimensions, which will be the size of the mat window opening.
When ordering this, enter the dimensions of the mat window as the art size. Then, change the mat overlap amount to “zero” so the website does not automatically calculate it.
