Picture Mat Size Calculator

Determine the perfect mat dimensions for your artwork with ease.

Mat Size Calculator

Mat Border Visualizer

What is Picture Mat Size?

Picture mat size refers to the dimensions of the mat board used in framing artwork, photographs, or prints. A mat board is a decorative border placed between the artwork and the frame, serving several crucial functions. It creates a visual separation, preventing the artwork from touching the glass (which can cause damage) and enhancing its aesthetic appeal by providing a visual "breathing room." The "size" of the mat typically encompasses its overall external dimensions and the dimensions of the opening cut into it for the artwork.

Who should use a picture mat size calculator? Anyone involved in framing artwork, from amateur hobbyists and home decorators to professional artists, photographers, framers, and gallery owners. If you're preparing a piece for display, selling prints, or simply want to present your work professionally, understanding and calculating the correct mat size is essential. This picture mat size calculator is particularly useful when you have a specific artwork size and a desired border width in mind, or when you need to determine the overall frame size required.

Common misconceptions about picture mat size:

• Misconception 1: The mat opening should be the exact size of the artwork. In reality, the mat opening is usually slightly smaller than the artwork (e.g., 1/4 inch less in width and height) to ensure the artwork is fully supported and doesn't slip through.
• Misconception 2: All mat borders must be the same width. While a uniform border is common and often aesthetically pleasing, different border widths (e.g., wider at the bottom) can be used for specific artistic effects.
• Misconception 3: Mat thickness doesn't matter. While not directly part of the size calculation, mat thickness affects the overall depth of the framed piece and how it sits within the frame.

Picture Mat Size Formula and Mathematical Explanation

Calculating the correct picture mat size involves a few straightforward steps based on the artwork dimensions and the desired border width. The primary goal is to determine the outer dimensions of the mat board required to achieve the desired border around the artwork.

Step-by-Step Derivation:

1. Mat Opening Dimensions: The opening cut into the mat board should be slightly smaller than the artwork to secure it. A common practice is to reduce the artwork's width and height by a small amount (e.g., 1/4 inch total, or 1/8 inch on each side). For simplicity in this calculator, we assume the opening is the exact size of the artwork, but in practice, you might adjust this.
2. Calculating Total Mat Width: To achieve a uniform border, you need to add the desired border width to *both* the left and right sides of the artwork. Therefore, the total mat width is the artwork's width plus twice the desired border width.
3. Calculating Total Mat Height: Similarly, for a uniform border, you add the desired border width to *both* the top and bottom sides of the artwork. The total mat height is the artwork's height plus twice the desired border width.

Variable Explanations:

Variables Used in Picture Mat Size Calculation

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Artwork Width (AW)	The horizontal dimension of the piece being matted.	Inches	0.5 – 100+
Artwork Height (AH)	The vertical dimension of the piece being matted.	Inches	0.5 – 100+
Desired Mat Border Width (DBW)	The uniform width of the mat border on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right).	Inches	0.5 – 5.0
Mat Opening Width (MOW)	The width of the cut-out in the mat board for the artwork.	Inches	AW – (small overlap, e.g., 0.25)
Mat Opening Height (MOH)	The height of the cut-out in the mat board for the artwork.	Inches	AH – (small overlap, e.g., 0.25)
Total Mat Width (TMW)	The overall external width of the mat board.	Inches	AW + (2 * DBW)
Total Mat Height (TMH)	The overall external height of the mat board.	Inches	AH + (2 * DBW)
Mat Board Thickness (MBT)	The physical thickness of the mat board material.	Inches	0.03 – 0.10

Formulas:
MOW = AW – 0.25 (typical adjustment)
MOH = AH – 0.25 (typical adjustment)
TMW = AW + (2 * DBW)
TMH = AH + (2 * DBW)
Final Mat Size = TMW x TMH

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: Standard Photo Framing

Scenario: Sarah wants to frame a 5×7 inch photograph. She desires a clean, professional look with a 2-inch mat border all around. She's using standard 1/8 inch overlap for the opening.

Inputs:

• Artwork Width: 5 inches
• Artwork Height: 7 inches
• Desired Mat Border Width: 2 inches

Calculations:

• Mat Opening Width = 5 – 0.25 = 4.75 inches
• Mat Opening Height = 7 – 0.25 = 6.75 inches
• Total Mat Width = 5 + (2 * 2) = 5 + 4 = 9 inches
• Total Mat Height = 7 + (2 * 2) = 7 + 4 = 11 inches

Results: The required mat size is 9×11 inches. The opening cut into the mat will be 4.75×6.75 inches.

Interpretation: This 9×11 inch mat will provide a balanced 2-inch border around the 5×7 photo, making it suitable for a standard 9×11 inch frame. This is a very common and pleasing proportion for photographs.

Example 2: Large Art Print Framing

Scenario: John has a limited edition art print that measures 18×24 inches. He wants a substantial mat border, about 3 inches wide, to make the print stand out in a larger frame.

Inputs:

• Artwork Width: 18 inches
• Artwork Height: 24 inches
• Desired Mat Border Width: 3 inches

Calculations:

• Mat Opening Width = 18 – 0.25 = 17.75 inches
• Mat Opening Height = 24 – 0.25 = 23.75 inches
• Total Mat Width = 18 + (2 * 3) = 18 + 6 = 24 inches
• Total Mat Height = 24 + (2 * 3) = 24 + 6 = 30 inches

Results: The required mat size is 24×30 inches. The opening cut into the mat will be 17.75×23.75 inches.

Interpretation: A 24×30 inch mat board is needed to achieve a 3-inch border around the 18×24 inch print. This larger mat size will require a correspondingly larger frame (e.g., a 24×30 frame). This provides a dramatic and professional presentation for a larger piece.

How to Use This Picture Mat Size Calculator

Our Picture Mat Size Calculator is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these steps to get your perfect mat dimensions:

1. Measure Your Artwork: Accurately measure the width and height of the artwork, print, or photograph you intend to frame. Ensure you measure the visible area or the actual dimensions of the piece.
2. Enter Artwork Dimensions: Input the measured width into the "Artwork Width" field and the height into the "Artwork Height" field. Use inches as the unit.
3. Specify Desired Border Width: Decide how wide you want the mat border to be on all sides (top, bottom, left, right). Enter this value in the "Desired Mat Border Width" field. Common choices range from 1.5 to 3 inches, depending on the artwork size and desired look.
4. Optional: Enter Mat Board Thickness: If you know the thickness of your mat board (e.g., standard 4-ply is about 0.05 inches), you can enter it. This is mainly for visual reference and doesn't affect the size calculation itself.
5. Click "Calculate Mat Size": Press the button, and the calculator will instantly provide the necessary dimensions.

How to Read Results:

• Mat Opening Width/Height: These are the dimensions of the rectangular hole that will be cut into the mat board. It's typically slightly smaller than your artwork to hold it in place.
• Total Mat Width/Height: These are the final, external dimensions of the mat board itself.
• Mat Size: This is the primary result, presented as Width x Height (e.g., 11×14 inches). This tells you the size of the mat board you need to purchase or cut.

Decision-Making Guidance: Use the calculated "Mat Size" to select the appropriate frame. For instance, if the calculator outputs an 11×14 inch mat size, you'll need an 11×14 inch frame. Consider the overall aesthetic – a wider border can make a smaller piece feel more significant, while a narrower border might suit larger works or a minimalist style. Always double-check your measurements before ordering custom mats or frames.

Key Factors That Affect Picture Mat Size Results

While the core calculation is simple, several factors influence the final decision and appearance of your matted artwork:

1. Artwork Size and Aspect Ratio: Larger artworks generally benefit from wider mat borders to maintain balance. The aspect ratio (width-to-height proportion) of the artwork also plays a role; a square artwork might look best with a perfectly square mat, while a panoramic piece might require different border considerations.
2. Desired Aesthetic and Style: Are you aiming for a minimalist look, a classic gallery feel, or a bold statement? Minimalist styles often use narrower borders, while traditional or dramatic presentations might use wider borders, especially on the bottom.
3. Frame Size Availability: Standard frame sizes (e.g., 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, 24×36 inches) often dictate the mat size you can easily use. You might adjust your desired border width to fit a readily available frame.
4. Artwork Content and Medium: The subject matter and medium can influence mat choice. For example, delicate watercolors might benefit from a wider, more protective mat, while bold graphic prints might suit a more modern, perhaps narrower, border.
5. Viewing Distance: If a piece will be viewed from a distance (like in a gallery or large room), a wider mat can help the artwork stand out and be perceived more easily. For pieces viewed up close (like in a personal study), narrower borders might be preferred.
6. Mat Board Color and Texture: While not affecting the size calculation, the color and texture of the mat board significantly impact the overall visual presentation. A neutral white or off-white is classic, but colored mats can complement or contrast with the artwork.
7. Mat Overlap: The amount the mat opening is smaller than the artwork (the overlap) is critical for securing the artwork. Too little overlap, and the artwork might slip; too much, and you obscure important parts. The standard 1/4 inch total overlap (1/8 inch per side) is a good starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the standard mat border width?

There isn't one single "standard," but common widths range from 1.5 inches to 3 inches for typical photo and art sizes. For larger pieces, borders can be 4 inches or more. The best width depends on the artwork's size and your desired aesthetic.

Should the mat opening be the exact size of my artwork?

No, typically the mat opening is slightly smaller than the artwork (usually by about 1/4 inch total, or 1/8 inch on each side) to create a small overlap. This overlap holds the artwork securely in place behind the mat.

Can I have different border widths (e.g., wider at the bottom)?

Yes, absolutely. While a uniform border is common, it's a popular artistic choice to make the bottom border slightly wider than the top and sides (often by 1/2 to 1 inch more). This is sometimes called a "bottom weight" and can create a more visually stable composition, especially for taller pieces.

What does "4-ply" or "8-ply" mat board mean?

Ply refers to the thickness of the mat board. Standard mat board is typically 4-ply, which is about 1/16 inch thick. 8-ply mat board is double that thickness, about 1/8 inch, offering a more substantial, premium feel.

How do I calculate the frame size needed?

The frame size needed is determined by the *outer dimensions* of your mat board. If your calculated mat size is 11×14 inches, you will need an 11×14 inch frame.

What if my artwork is an unusual shape (e.g., circular)?

This calculator is designed for rectangular artworks. For circular or irregularly shaped pieces, you'll need to adapt. You might measure the widest and tallest points for the opening and calculate the mat size based on those dimensions, or opt for a custom-cut mat opening.

Does mat board thickness affect the final mat size?

No, the thickness of the mat board does not change the required outer dimensions (width and height) of the mat. It affects the depth of the framed piece and its overall visual weight.

Can I use this calculator for framing posters?

Yes, absolutely. Whether it's a fine art print, a photograph, a poster, or any other flat artwork, this calculator helps determine the appropriate mat size to enhance its presentation within a frame.

What is archival mat board?

Archival mat board is made from materials that are acid-free and lignin-free, designed not to degrade or yellow over time. This is crucial for preserving valuable or sentimental artwork and photographs for the long term.