How to Use Picture Frame Calculator
The Picture Frame Calculator plans every dimension for DIY framing — outer size, mat opening, glass size and the total length of moulding to buy. Enter the picture dimensions, optional mat width and frame moulding width, and the Picture Frame Calculator shows the result in your chosen unit.
- Pick a unit — inches, cm or mm.
- Enter picture width and height.
- Optionally enable a mat — set the single-side border width.
- Enter frame moulding width — the visible width of the frame edge.
Formula & Theory — Picture Frame Calculator
The Picture Frame Calculator uses straightforward additions:
Opening Size = Picture + 2 × Mat Border
Outer Size = Opening + 2 × Frame Width
Material ≈ 2 × Outer Width + 2 × Outer Height
Glass / Back = Opening Size| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Picture | Width and height of the artwork or photo |
| Mat Border | Single-side mat width |
| Frame Width | Width of the moulding profile |
Assumptions and Limits
The Picture Frame Calculator ignores mitred joinery losses; add a small extra margin (5-10%) when buying moulding.
Use Cases for Picture Frame Calculator
- Photo framing — typical 8x10 or 11x14 prints with a 2 in mat.
- Poster framing — A2/A1/A0 posters in a thicker moulding.
- Canvas wrap — outer measurements for floating frames.
- Multi-opening collages — design opening sizes for grouped frames.