Quick answer: without a mount, buy a frame the same size as your print — an A4 print goes in an A4 frame. With a mount, buy a larger frame whose mount opening matches your print — an A4 print goes in a 30 × 40 cm or A3 frame with an A4 mount.
Frame size means print size
A frame's size describes the artwork it holds, not its outside edge. An A4 frame holds a 210 × 297 mm sheet; the moulding adds to the overall size on the wall. Measure your whole sheet, including any white border.
Print size to frame size chart
| Your print | Frame without a mount | Frames with a mount for this print (narrowest border first) |
| 13 × 18 cm | too small to make — use a mount | 15 × 20 cm, A4 |
| A5 (148 × 210 mm) | too small to make — use a mount | A4, A3, 30 × 40 cm |
| 20 × 20 cm | 20 × 20 cm | 25 × 25 cm, 30 × 30 cm |
| A4 (210 × 297 mm) | A4 | A3, 30 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm, A2 |
| 30 × 30 cm | 30 × 30 cm | 40 × 40 cm, 50 × 50 cm |
| A3 (297 × 420 mm) | A3 | 40 × 50 cm, 40 × 60 cm, A2 |
| 30 × 45 cm | 30 × 45 cm | 40 × 60 cm |
| 40 × 40 cm | 40 × 40 cm | 50 × 50 cm, 60 × 60 cm |
| 40 × 50 cm | 40 × 50 cm | 50 × 70 cm, 60 × 80 cm |
| A2 (420 × 594 mm) | A2 | 50 × 70 cm, 24 × 32", A1 |
| 50 × 70 cm | 50 × 70 cm | 60 × 80 cm, 60 × 90 cm |
| 8 × 10 in | 8x10 | 10x14, 11x14, 13x16 |
For every A size in millimetres and inches, see A paper sizes.
How much border will the mount give?
Take the print size from the frame size and halve it. An A4 print in an A3 frame gets about 44 mm on the sides and 62 mm top and bottom; in a 30 × 40 cm frame it gets a more even 45 mm and 52 mm. Not sure which mount colour to pick? See how to choose a mount colour.
The mount opening is cut slightly smaller than your print
A mount labelled "A4" is cut a little under 210 × 297 mm so it overlaps the edges and holds the print in place. Keep signatures and important detail away from the very edge.
Common mistakes
- An A3 print will not fit a 12 × 16" frame — A3 is 14 mm too tall. Use an A3 frame.
- A5 and 13 × 18 cm prints need a mount. We don't make frames that small, so frame them with a mount in a 15 × 20 cm or A4 frame.
- A-size prints need A-size frames, not inch frames: A4 is taller than a US Letter frame.
- Frame size is not the outside size. Allow for the moulding when measuring your wall.
Can't find your size? Every frame is cut to order, so custom framing makes one to your print's exact measurements.
