Picture Frame Sizes - Understanding the Basics

Once you understand the basics of picture frame sizes, you will never have trouble finding the right frame size again. Whether new to photography or just never understood picture frame sizes, this article will explain the basics of picture frame sizes and will help you select the perfect frame for your photo.

The Basics About Picture Frame Sizes

There are a variety of picture frame sizes, but they are typically categorized into standard and non-standard sizes.Standard sized frames, like 4x6, 5x7 or 8x10 picture frames, are the most common sizes that you often see sitting on a table or hanging on the wall. The term "standard frame size" refers to the typical sizes available with printed photographs.

Normally with photo frames the size refers to the size of the picture opening and not the exterior dimensions of the frame. In the United States, 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 10x8 frames and 6x4 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) Determining the Photo Size Your Picture Frame Holds

It 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. To quickly determine if your frame will hold your photo, you can measure the inner area of the frame where the picture is held. However this will always give you a smaller measurement than the actual size of the photo that will fit. That's because every frame has an interior edge (or 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. There is a ledge on the inside of the frame that holds the glass and photo. All you'll need to do is measure either 1) the area where the glass is held inside of the frame or 2) measure the actual dimensions of the entire piece of glass. By measuring either of these, this will tell you the exact size of the photo that will fit in your frame.

2) How Your Frame Can Be Displayed It is important to know whether a picture frame can be displayed horizontally, vertically, or both. Always check this because there are some picture frame sizes that are only designed to be displayed in one direction. Most unique shaped frames can only be displayed one way.A simple way to check is to look at the hardware on the frame back and see if the frame has an easel back stand for displaying on a table or hanging hardware for a wall display.

Picture Frame Sizes

Below 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 size 3 1/2 x 5 4x6 4x10 and 4x12 - panoramic picture frames 6x4 5x5 5x7 7x5 6x8 8x8, 10x10 and 12x12 - scrapbook picture frames 8x10 10x8 8 1/2 x 11 11x14 16x20 20x24

If 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. All of these frame are available in standard frame sizes and come in a wide variety of styles, colors and finishes.

Picture frames are available in non-standard sizes but there just will be a much smaller selection and will likely be harder to find exactly what you want. If you are 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 are trying to find a less expensive frame for a non-standard size and do not want a custom made frame, you can always use a picture frame mat to hold your photo in a standard frame size.

Now with your new knowledge of picture frame sizes, you'll be able to confidently choose your next picture frame knowing that it's exactly what you want.

About The Author Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves photography and picture frames. Your Picture Frames offers a large selection of unique, quality picture frames. If you're looking for different sized frames like square, oval or panoramic picture frames visit our site or call us toll free at 1-800-780-0699.