Frame Your Art Perfectly
Mat & Frame Size Calculator
Welcome to the ultimate tool for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts! Our Mat & Frame Size Calculator helps you determine the perfect mat size and mat window dimensions so that your artwork fits beautifully within a frame. Whether you’re framing a painting or a photograph, this tool takes the guesswork out of custom framing and matting—ensuring your art always looks its best.
Mat Framing Calculator
Artwork Dimensions
Ensure your measurements are accurate for a perfect fit :)
Mat Overlap
How much should the mat cover your artwork's edges? We recommend a minimum of 3 mm (or 0.12 in) on each side.
Frame Dimensions
Enter the inner dimensions of your frame – this will determine your overall mat size.
Artwork Image (Optional)
Upload a photo of your artwork to see how your mat will frame it.
Your Custom Mat Details
You can copy the result and share it with your framing company if needed.
- Measure your artwork accurately (width and height).
- Choose a preset size or enter your custom artwork dimensions.
- Enter the mat overlap for each side (we recommend at least 3 mm or 0.12 in).
- Provide the inner dimensions of your frame.
- Click "Show My Frame Preview" to view your custom mat design and calculated details.
- You can then copy the details and send them to your framing company.
Why a Proper Mat and Frame Matter
What Is a Framing Mat?
A framing mat is a border placed between your artwork and its frame. It not only adds an aesthetic dimension by drawing the viewer’s eye toward the artwork, but it also helps protect the piece from direct contact with the glass and environmental elements. A well-chosen mat enhances the artwork’s presentation and can even influence its perceived depth and color balance.
How Proper Matting Enhances Framing
Visual Impact:
A balanced mat improves the overall look of a framed piece. It creates a visual “breathing space” around the artwork, emphasizing its importance.
Protection:
The mat acts as a buffer, preventing the artwork from touching the glass. This can be crucial for delicate pieces or those with textures.
Customization
With custom matting, you can choose colors and widths that complement the artwork, making each piece unique and professionally presented.
How to Measure and Cut a Mat
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Use a ruler or caliper to accurately measure the width and height of your piece.
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Decide how much of the artwork’s edge should be covered by the mat—commonly 1/4 to 1/2 inch on each side.
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Subtract the total overlap from the artwork dimensions.
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Use a mat cutter with a guide to achieve clean, straight edges for a professional finish.
Who Build this Tool
I created this mat and frame size calculator out of my own journey as an artist. Before my first exhibition, I had no idea how to frame my artwork properly—I struggled to find the right balance between the art, the mat, and the frame. I saw too many cases where people either used the default frame (resulting in too much empty space) or even resorted to folding their artwork to make it fit a smaller frame. I knew there had to be a better way.
This might be my ego as an artist—but it’s about sharing my hard-earned lessons so that we can all get better at framing art together. I couldn’t find modern, user-friendly tools that truly helped with this task, so I decided to build one myself. With years of experience in this, I understand how crucial presentation is to an artwork’s impact.
My goal is simple: to empower fellow artists and art lovers to frame their work confidently and beautifully, without the guesswork.
FAQs
What is the best way to frame a painting?
The best way to frame a painting is to select a frame that enhances its visual appeal without overwhelming the artwork. This typically involves choosing a frame that is proportionate to the painting’s dimensions, and—if appropriate—using a mat to create a visual buffer between the artwork and the frame. A well-chosen mat not only adds depth but also draws the viewer’s focus directly to the painting.
How to frame without a mat?
Framing without a mat can offer a modern, minimalist look where the artwork is mounted directly against the frame. In this case, it’s important to ensure the frame is the correct size and style to complement the piece. Additionally, proper backing and glazing are essential to protect the artwork when no mat is used.
Can I frame art myself?
Absolutely! Many artists and art enthusiasts successfully frame their own work. With the right tools, materials, and guidance, DIY framing can be a rewarding project. Our tool and accompanying resources are designed to help you determine the proper dimensions and techniques for framing your art at home.
Is it better to have a photo mat or no mat?
The decision to use a mat depends on the style of the artwork and your personal aesthetic preferences. A mat can add elegance by creating a visual “breathing space” around the artwork, drawing the viewer’s eye inward, and protecting the piece from the frame’s contact. On the other hand, some contemporary artworks look best when framed without a mat, offering a sleek and direct presentation. Consider the impact you want to achieve before deciding.
How do you know what size mat to get?
The ideal mat size depends on the artwork’s dimensions, your desired look, and the balance between the art and its frame. A good starting point is to ensure that the mat opening is slightly smaller than the artwork, creating a consistent border. Using a tool like our calculator can help you experiment with different mat sizes until you find the perfect fit.
How do you calculate picture mat size?
To calculate the picture mat size, first measure your artwork’s width and height. Then, decide how wide you want the mat border on each side. Subtract twice the border width from the artwork's dimensions to determine the mat opening size. For example, if your artwork is 400 mm wide and you want a 50 mm border on each side, the opening will be 400 mm - (2 × 50 mm) = 300 mm. Our tool automates these calculations for accuracy and ease.