| Understanding picture frame sizes is a snap, once | | | | hanging hardware. If you plan to use it on a |
| you are familiar with the ins and outs of picture | | | | desktop always check that it has a easel back |
| frames. With the information here you will be able | | | | stand or if you're hanging it on the wall make sure |
| to select the correct size every time. | | | | it has frame hardware secured on the back of |
| Picture frames are categorized into standard and | | | | the frame. |
| non-standard sizes. Standard frame sizes are | | | | Picture Frame Sizes- |
| more common and usually correspond with | | | | There is a noticeable difference in availability |
| standard printed photo sizes. Frames in the US | | | | between standard frame sizes and less common |
| are measured in inches while most other countries | | | | frame sizes. Standard (or common) frame sizes |
| around the world use centimeters. Picture frames | | | | are readily available and usually offer a big |
| are always measured width by height. So, a 6" | | | | selection to choose from. They're frequently |
| wide by 4" high photo would be considered 6x4; | | | | referred to as standard frame sizes because |
| however, if your photo measured 4" wide by 6" | | | | pictures and certificates are commonly printed in |
| high, it would be a 4x6 photo. What sometimes | | | | these specific sizes. You can find the uncommon |
| confuses people is that some frames like 4x6, | | | | sizes but they'll usually have less variety in color |
| 5x7 or 8x10 picture frames can usually be used | | | | and style compared to the common sizes. |
| as either a vertical or a horizontal frame. | | | | Here is a list of the most common frame sizes |
| However, when you see sizes like 6x4, 7x5, 10x8 | | | | along with the list of less common (or uncommon) |
| this means that they can only be used | | | | frames that can be found but often have more |
| horizontally. | | | | limited selections. Often times if the frame size |
| What to Look For When Buying a Frame- | | | | you want isn't listed, it's possible you may need to |
| 1) Before you buy a picture frame first determine | | | | have a custom picture frame made. |
| the size and direction of your photo. Picture | | | | Common frame sizes 2 ½ x 3 ½ (wallet size), |
| frame sizes represent the size of the picture | | | | 3 ½ x 5, 4x6 (vertical or horizontal), 5x5, |
| opening not the outside dimensions of the frame. | | | | 5x7,6x4 (a 4x6 standing horizontal), 6x8, 8x10, |
| Anytime you measure a frame, measure the | | | | 7x5 (a 5x7 standing horizontal), 10x8 (8x10 |
| inner opening and not the outside edge of the | | | | standing horizontal), 8 ½ x 11 (certificate size), |
| frame. Don't worry if your frame measurement is | | | | 11x14 16x20 and 20x24. |
| not exactly a standard size. In order for the | | | | Less Common Frame Sizes 1x2, 2x2, 2x3, 3x3, 3 |
| picture to fit properly in the frame, the glass and | | | | ½ x 3 ½, 3x4, 3 ½ x 10 (panoramic), 4x4, |
| picture fit onto a thin ledge and the outside frame | | | | 4x5, 4x10 (panoramic), 4x12 (panoramic), 8x8, |
| hides the edge of your picture. If you want a | | | | 8x12, 10x10, 10x13 and 12x12. |
| truly accurate measurement of your frame, | | | | Other popular types of frames are double |
| remove the back and measure the size of the | | | | frames, triple frames and collage picture frames. |
| glass. | | | | Double picture frames have two identical openings |
| 2) Some frames are only displayed in one | | | | that normally fit up to 8x10 size pictures and are |
| direction. Before you buy a frame determine how | | | | often used for portraits. Triple picture frames |
| you want to place it. You will know by the shape | | | | have three identical openings and normally fit up |
| of a frame if it can only be displayed in one | | | | to 5x7 size pictures. If you want a larger triple |
| direction. For example, a heart shaped frame is a | | | | frame, finding triple 8x10 picture frame is more |
| perfect example of a frame that can only be | | | | difficult because of their large overall size. |
| used in one direction. Decorations can also tell you | | | | Now for the fun frames - the multi picture frame |
| if a frame can only be used in a particular | | | | or collage frame. As named, multi picture frames |
| direction. For example if you have a vertical 8x10 | | | | have multiple openings or windows. They are |
| picture frame with a image of a tree decorated | | | | often called collage picture frames because they |
| on the frame, that frame can only be used | | | | can display a variety of pictures and sizes. This |
| vertically otherwise the tree won't be standing | | | | type frame is perfect for those special pictures |
| upright. Also check the easel on the back to see | | | | you want grouped together on your wall. |
| if it can be displayed as both a vertical and | | | | Hopefully this article will help you better |
| horizontal frame. | | | | understand what to look for when buying a frame |
| 3) Always look at the back of the picture frame | | | | and how to find the right size so you'll always find |
| to see what type of hardware it includes. Never | | | | the perfect frame. |
| assume a frame includes an easel back stand and | | | | |