The Best Picture Frame Sizes: 6 Types for Prints

Framed photos complete a home and make it feel more welcoming. Whether you are moving into a new space and looking to make it yours or just ready to revamp you current home, photos displayed in high-quality frames are your solution. The beauty of framed photos is that you can personalize them to your style. Do you like a rustic farmhouse feel? Try using natural wooden frames. Would you rather have a sleek modern look? Frame your print with a classic black frame and white matte. Choosing a custom frame style is the first step, next you need to make sure the picture will fit. We’ve created a picture frame size guide to help you pick the correct size for your images. Simply keep in mind what size your photos are and match them to the correct photo frame sizes.

Jump to:

• Popular Frame Sizes
• Tips for Choosing A Frame
• Picture Frame Guide

Most Popular Picture Frame Sizes

There are a few sizes that are the most common when it comes to photo prints. When you are designing a wall, you are most likely working with these sizes. Working with popular picture frame sizes makes it easier to find the correct frame in the style you want.

1. Picture Frames for 4×6 Photos

4×6 photos are the standard picture frame size and the most common for 35mm photography. 4×6 photos are good for a range of subjects, from family photos to abstract art. This size is also what most photo albums use. If your photo is 4×6 you will need a frame that is a little larger. How much larger depends on how much matting you want to include.

4×6 picture frames are perfect for designing picture collages on your wall and fit perfectly on wall shelves for home decor. This picture frame size is one of the most commonly sold frames size and will accent any picture that is put within the frame. Choose a frame design that matches your home decor styles and colors for an additional touch to your framed pictures and wall art decor. When creating custom picture frames with Shutterfly, you can make your own 4×6 tabletop framed prints or glitter photo blocks that feature your favorite photos and memories.

Frame sizes if you want matting:

Adding an additional white matting boarder will enhance your photos and add a touch of a professional classiness to every picture within the print. Some additional picture frame sizes you can use for 4X6 pictures are:

• 6×8
• 8×10

2. Picture Frames for 5×7 Photos

The next size up from 4×6 is a 5×7 photo print. This size is preferred if your photo has a person as the focus. It’s a little larger so they will stand out clearer. 5×7 prints can fit in various frames, depending on how thick of matting you would like to include.

You can find a variety of Shutterfly custom framed prints in 5×7 photos, including personalized frames, photo tiles, framed art prints, and tabletop canvas prints.

Frame sizes if you want matting:

• 8×10
• 11×14

3. Picture Frames for 8×10 Photos

8×10 photos require a larger frame than 4×6 and 5×7, and they are typically used for group photos or portraits. If you are hanging graduation photos in the hall, this is most likely the size you would use. There are a variety of sized frames you can fit a 8×10 photo in, depending on if you prefer a wide or narrow look.

8×10 photo prints are the perfect size for putting single image pictures on walls because of the amount of detail on the print. For an added touch, customize your frames to match the occasion of the photo within. You’ll find 8×10 custom frames in a variety of Shutterfly products. Stickable photo tiles, canvas prints, and framed prints are perfect for 8×10 wall art. Glass prints, wooden plaques, and personalized frames are great for displaying on a tabletop, desk, or mantle.

Frame size if you want matting:

• 11×14
• 12×14

Other Common Picture Frame Sizes

If you are working with a large wall as your canvas, you might consider creating a gallery wall to create visual interest. To do this try using one big photo print from the common sizes below and then fill in the space around it with the smaller picture frame sizes.

4. Picture Frames for 16×20 Photos

16×20 sized prints are considered small posters. If you are using a photo this size, make sure the resolution is excellent. This will ensure the photo doesn’t appear pixelated or blurry.

Perfect for framing calendars and small posters, 16×20 frames will be the highlight of any home decor item. Giving your calendar a frame and a glass cover can allow you to add notes with a dry erase marker, so that the original calendar print wont be damaged from all the writing. This will extend the longevity of the calendar for the whole year. Add a personalized picture frame to any of your pictures and calendars for an added touch. You can also find 16×20 framed wall art in the form of mounted and canvas photo prints.

Frame sizes with matting:

• 20×24
• 24×28

5. Picture Frames for 20×30 Photos

With a frame, the 20×30 print size is nearing the average poster size of 24×36. This size print is sure to be the center of attention in your space. Pick something big and impactful to frame, like a landscape or photo of the ocean.

Perfect for any wall art and home decor, these pictures are great for decorating any space in your home or office. Choosing this 20X30 picture frame size will elevate any wall art print. Choose between different photo frame colors for a different feel for each home decor style.

Frame sizes with matting:

• 24×36

6. Picture Frames for 22×32 Photos

A 22×32 photo is larger than a poster, which means it doesn’t necessarily need matting. Try using a frame that is the same size as the print instead to keep it to a manageable size. Perfect for areas with larger spaces, this picture frame size will look fantastic in open spaces in your home or office. Add a wall art design that will catch everyone’s eye every time some one passes it. These extra large wall art pieces will look great as personalized framed canvas pieces that showcases your favorite pictures and images.

Frame sizes with matting:

• 30×40

Tips for Choosing the Right Picture Frame Size

1. Think of the space

When trying to find the perfect frame, first consider the space you have to work with. If you are redesigning the space above a desk you will have different parameters to work with compared to a living room wall. For a confined space you need to decide if you want to include many small photos or a few larger ones.

To visually think of the space, you can use painters tape to tape on the walls of the different sizes and shapes of each wall decor print you want to put on your wall. Once you have a general feel of the different outlines of the sizes and shapes, you can then rearrange anything you like before putting holes in your wall.

2. Photo type

Consider the type of photo you are planning to hang in the space. A family photo is typically printed in a larger size to showcase everyone’s smiles, so it will probably need a thin and simple frame. On the other hand, a simple scene with only one focus can be placed in a thicker, more intricate frame. Also creating a customized tabletop photo frame in a smaller size is perfect for the photos you want to keep nearby on your desk at work or your bedside table.

3. Consider the matting

Matting will affect the frame size you decide on. There are also many different colors and textures you can choose from. A smaller photo with a thick matting will need a bigger frame. Make sure to take into account how much matting you want to show when choosing a frame. Photo frames with matting will make the photo within look more professionally created and is easy to achieve with these personalized photo frames.

4. Bring the photo with you

If you are going to a store to pick out your frame, bring the print or a copy of it with you. If it is a poster size you can just take a photo of it and take that along. Holding the photo up next to the frame will help you decide on which frame style you like best and will give you a better perspective of the best picture frame options.

5. Measure, measure, measure

Before you leave the house, measure the space you are planning to hang the photo. Measure the matting that you want to frame the photo in. Lastly, measure the frames in the store to make sure they will fit in your home and that the matting will fit properly.

When looking for the perfect picture frame sizes it’s easy to get confused by measurement. Sometimes the sizes are stated on the frame, but often times we are left to figure it out on our own. Choosing the right sized frame makes all the difference, and with this guide you’ll have your photos hung in the correct sized frame in no time.