Picture Frame Size Guide

A plain-English guide to UK picture frame sizes — A-series, inches and centimetres — so you order the right frame first time.

Which frame size do I need? Match the frame to the size of your artwork. If your piece is a standard size (like A4, A3 or 10×8″), choose that frame. If it’s an unusual size, or you want a mount border, frame it to measure. UK sizes come in two systems — A-series (A4, A3, A2…) for prints and documents, and imperial (6×4″, 8×10″…) for photographs.

Picture frame size chart (inches & cm)

These are the standard sizes we make. Each is available in all eight of our handmade finishes.

Size name	Centimetres	Inches	Best for
4 × 6	10 × 15 cm	6 × 4″	Standard photo prints
5 × 7	13 × 18 cm	7 × 5″	Photos, small art
8 × 10	20 × 25 cm	10 × 8″	Portraits, photos
10 × 12	25 × 30 cm	12 × 10″	Prints, photos
11 × 14	28 × 36 cm	14 × 11″	Larger prints
12 × 16	30 × 41 cm	16 × 12″	Posters, art prints
A4	21 × 29.7 cm	8.3 × 11.7″	Certificates, documents, prints
A3	29.7 × 42 cm	11.7 × 16.5″	Posters, large prints
A2	42 × 59.4 cm	16.5 × 23.4″	Statement posters & art
30 × 40 cm	30 × 40 cm	11.8 × 15.7″	Prints, photography
40 × 50 cm	40 × 50 cm	15.7 × 19.7″	Large prints
50 × 70 cm	50 × 70 cm	19.7 × 27.6″	Large posters
70 × 100 cm	70 × 100 cm	27.6 × 39.4″	Oversized statement pieces

Tip: to convert inches to centimetres, multiply by 2.54. So 10×8″ = 25.4 × 20.3 cm.

A-series vs imperial — what’s the difference?

Prints, posters and documents usually come in A-series sizes (A4, A3, A2). Photographs are usually imperial (6×4″, 7×5″, 10×8″). The two don’t interchange — an A4 sheet is not the same as a 10×8″ photo, so always frame an A-series piece in an A-series frame and an imperial photo in an imperial frame.

The most common mistake: assuming A4 and 10×8″ are interchangeable. A4 (21×29.7 cm) is longer and narrower. Check which system your artwork uses before you order.

Do I need a bigger frame for a mount?

A mount (the card border around your picture) sits inside the frame, so a mounted picture needs a frame larger than the artwork. For example, an A4 print looks beautiful in an A3 frame with an A4 aperture mount. You can add a mount to any frame when you personalise it.

How to measure your artwork

Measure the artwork itself (the part you want visible), in millimetres or centimetres.
Decide whether you want a mount border — if so, choose a larger frame or add a mount.
If your size matches one of ours above, shop that size. If not, make it to measure.

Still not sure? Make it to measure

If your artwork isn’t a standard size, our frame builder makes a frame to your exact dimensions, in any finish, with optional mount and glazing — handmade in the UK.

Frame size FAQs

Is an A4 frame the same as a 10×8 frame?

No. A4 is 21 × 29.7 cm and a 10×8″ frame is 25.4 × 20.3 cm — a different shape and ratio. Choose the one that matches your artwork.

What size frame do I need for an A4 print?

An A4 frame for an exact fit, or an A3 frame with an A4 mount if you’d like a border. See our A4 page for details.

How do I convert inches to centimetres?

Multiply inches by 2.54. For example, 12×16″ = 30.5 × 40.6 cm.

What if my artwork isn’t a standard size?

Use our frame builder to order a made-to-measure frame to your exact dimensions, handmade in the UK.

Popular sizes: A4 Picture Frames · A3 Picture Frames · Custom sizes