Once you understand picture frame sizes, you will be on your way to displaying all of your favorite photos. 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 many different picture frame sizes, but they are typically grouped into standard (also called common) 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, when you buy a picture frame, the size refers to the size of the picture opening 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 7x5, you’ll need a 7x5 picture frame. Just remember that 7x5 frames can only be used horizontally while a 5x7 frame can generally be used both vertically and horizontally. The same holds true for 6x4 frames and 10x8 frames compared to 4x6 and 8x10 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. If you need to quickly check to see if your photo will fit, you can measure the inner opening of the front of the frame where you see the picture. 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 lip that holds the glass and can vary in size. So, if you want a more accurate measurement to know the exact photo size your frame will hold, you’ll have to remove the frame backing to correctly measure it.

If you want to measure a frame correctly, you have to open it up by removing the frame back.On the inside of the frame there is a ledge that holds the picture and glass. All you do is measure the opening where the glass fits (or measure the glass itself) and you’ll have the correct size of the photo that will fit in your picture frame.

2. How You Picture Frame Can Be Used

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, like heart shaped picture 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 are some of the most common picture frame sizes. These are for frames that hold a single picture:

2 1/2 x 3 1/2 - wallet size

3 ½ x 5

4x6

4x10 and 4x12 - panoramic picture frames

6x4

5x5

5x7

7x5

6x8

8x8, 10x10 and 12x12 - scrapbook picture frames

8x10

10x8

8 ½ 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. These all come in standard frame sizes but have more than one picture frame opening.

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're shopping for a specific size, you can always check with your favorite frame retailer for help or you can always have a custom frame made.If you're trying to find an inexpensive frame in a non-standard size and want to avoid having a custom frame made, you can use a picture frame mat that holds your photo in a standard frame.

Now that you have a better understanding of picture frame sizes, you will hopefully save time, energy and money when picking out your perfect picture frame.