How To
Measure for Picture Frames

Measuring your piece is simple. The measurements you take will determine how well your frame fits your picture, so we must get accurate measurements to ensure the best size.

Our how-to video above explains the essential steps required to measure your picture perfectly. For more detailed steps, please read our guide below.

Before You Start

To make shopping easy, you can select from over 200 standard picture frame sizes. These cover everything from small postcards to huge Ordnance Survey maps.

If the size you require is not offered as a standard size, there are two options:

  • Order a custom size frame to fit your picture perfectly
  • Order a larger standard size frame and a custom cut mount with borders wide enough to make up the difference

You Will Need

  • Your picture
  • Tape measure
  • Notebook & pen
  1. Frame Only

    Open/Close

    All frames are measured using the inside dimensions, height and width. So if you have a 30x40cm image, you need to order a 30x40cm frame. IIt's common to assume the dimensions relate to the outer edges. You can customise your perfect frame in our picture frame designer.

    All measurements you input for custom frames will be in millimetres (mm).

    Measuring your picture to fit directly into a frame with no mount is very simple:

    1. Lay and flatten your print on a level surface
    2. Take the measurements of the height and width of the area you'd like to frame. If you're planning on trimming your print, please do so before taking measurements. If your print has white borders and you don't want to see them, you'll need to trim them off.
      Full height and width of print
      Fig 1. Frame your whole picture by providing us with the height and width
      Cropped height and width of print
      Fig 2. Frame a portion of your picture by trimming and then providing us with the height and width
    3. Please double check your measurements or confirm your sizes with a friend
    4. Simply input the measurements you've taken into the framing studio or product page & we'll make sure the frame fits your print

    For example, if you're framing a print that's 300mm x 450mm, input the sizes 300mm x 450mm.

  2. Frame & Mount

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    Please note that the process for ordering mounts in the frame and mount designer changed on 07/04/2020. The instructions below reflect these new changes.

    All measurements you input for custom frames & mounts will be in millimetres (mm).

    1. Lay and flatten your print on a level surface
    2. Take the measurements of the height and width of the area you'd like to frame & mount. If you're planning on trimming your print, please do so before taking measurements. If your print has white borders and you don't want to see them, you'll need to trim them off.
    3. Please double check your measurements or confirm your sizes with a friend
    4. Input the measurements you've taken (make no changes) into the dimensions boxes

    For example, if you're framing and mounting a print that's 300mm x 450mm, it's advised you input the sizes 300mm x 450mm.

    We will cut the mount opening exactly 10mm smaller in height and width. This is to allow you to attach your picture to the mount whilst preventing your picture from falling through the opening.

    If you don't want us to make any adjustments to the mount opening size, please contact us or let us know in the order comments box during checkout.

  3. Mount Only

    Open/Close

    Please note that the process for ordering mounts in the Mount Designer changed on 07/04/2020. The instructions below reflect these new changes.

    Ordering a mount only is an option for those who already have a frame or are looking to resell artwork without the added cost of a frame.

    All measurements you input for custom mounts will be in millimetres (mm).

    1. Lay and flatten your print on a level surface
    2. Take the measurements of the height and width of the area you'd like to frame & mount. If you're planning on trimming your print, please do so before taking measurements. If your print has white borders and you don't want to see them, you'll need to trim them off.
    3. Please double check your measurements or confirm your sizes with a friend
    4. Simply input the measurements you've taken (make no changes) into the dimensions boxes

    For example, if you're framing and mounting a print that's 300mm x 450mm, it's advised you input the sizes 300mm x 450mm.

    We will cut the mount opening exactly 10mm smaller in height and width. This is to allow you to attach your picture to the mount whilst preventing your picture from falling through the opening.

    If you don't want us to make any adjustments to the mount opening size, please contact us or let us know in the order comments box during checkout.

  4. Stretched Canvas

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    All measurements you input for custom frames will be in millimetres (mm).

    Our Deep Frames Collection contains a range of frames that are deep enough for most thick items. If you're unsure that the frame you like isn't deep enough to accommodate your item, please contact us.

    1. Lay your canvas on a level surface
    2. Take the measurements of the height and width of the canvas, making sure to measure at the corners as this is the widest part of the canvas
    3. Please double check your measurements or confirm your sizes with a friend
    4. Simply input the measurements you've taken into the framing studio or product page & we'll make sure the frame fits your canvas
    5. You will also need to measure the depth and provide this measurement when you come to checkout in the 'Further Information' field

    For example, if you're framing a canvas that's 300mm x 450mm, input the sizes 300mm x 450mm.

  5. Replacement Frame

    Open/Close

    If you already have a frame but need to change it, you can.

    1. Open up the back of your old frame and remove the backing board
    2. Lay and flatten your backing board on a level surface
    3. Take the measurements of the height and width of your backing board
    4. Please double check your measurements or confirm your sizes with a friend
    5. Simply input the measurements you've taken (make no changes) into the dimensions boxes

    For example, if your backing board measures 300mm x 450mm, input the sizes 300mm x 450mm.

Considerations When Measuring

Visible Area

All picture frames are designed to keep the picture and components inside the frame. As such, the very edges of your piece will be hidden from view. If you wish to see the entirety of your picture, you'll need a clip frame.

Frame Rebate

Please note that when you order a picture frame, the sizes relate to the approximate internal dimensions of the frame. Every frame will overlap your artwork by 2-5mm on each edge. This is to prevent your picture and glazing from falling through the front.

If you wish to maximise the visible area of your picture once framed, please contact us so we can measure the exact lip size on the frame you wish to order and advise accordingly.

Mount Overlap

If you order a picture mount for your piece, we will deduct 10mm from the height and width of the measurements you provide us. Every mount should overlap your artwork by at least 3mm on each edge. This is to prevent your picture from falling through your mount opening and allow you to secure it in place, preventing it from slipping down.

Please note that we do not make these deductions on mount products designed in the framing studio.

External Size

If you are ordering a picture frame to fit inside a recess or for a gallery wall, you will need to consider the external size of the frame. This ensures that the frame fits into its desired position when hung.

Trimming Your Picture

First of all, only trim your picture if it's replaceable. We do not recommend cutting down a museum quality piece of art or a sentimental photo.

If your picture is relatively small, you can use a good quality paper cutter. A Stanley knife and ruler work well for art of all sizes. Ensure that when you're cutting, you keep the edges perfectly straight. We wouldn't advocate trimming your picture with scissors.

Fitting Instructions

Once you've measured your piece and ordered your frame, you'll need to fit your picture. The process is different for our wood and metal frames.

Other Useful Information

You might be interested in reading our buying guides before you continue shopping. They're packed full of tips and advice.

Standard Size Chart

To get you started, choose the size of your art from our list of popular sizes. If the picture you're trying to frame doesn’t fit into our list of popular frame sizes, don't worry. Simply go to our custom frames section and tell us the size of your picture.