Art Print Sizes Explained: What Fits Standard Frames

Quick answer

Most standard frames are sized in inches and fit prints that match those dimensions exactly. Measure your frame's opening, not the outer frame, and choose a print that matches or is slightly smaller. If you are buying unframed, start with the wall space and work backward to a standard size like 11x14 or 14x11.

Buying art prints online can feel like a guessing game when every listing uses different measurements. The good news is that most prints are designed around a handful of standard frame sizes, so you can avoid custom framing costs and still get a professional look.

This guide explains how art print sizes work, how to read a print size chart, and how to decide what size print fits your frame. You will also see real examples from Starfangled Press to understand how paper size and image size differ.

Understand paper size vs. image size

When you look at a print listing, you will often see two sets of dimensions: paper size and image size. Paper size is the full sheet, including any white border. Image size is just the printed area. A print with a 14x11 inch paper size and a smaller image size will have a border that can act as a natural mat when framed.

This matters because standard frames are built to hold a specific paper size, not an image size. If you buy a frame that fits 11x14 inches, you need a print with an 11x14 inch paper size. If the image is smaller, the border fills the rest of the frame. If the image is larger than the frame opening, it will not fit without trimming, which can damage the print.

• Always check the paper size first, then the image size.
• A border can save you money on matting, but it also means the visible art is smaller.
• If the listing only gives image size, ask the seller for paper size before buying a frame.

Common standard frame sizes for prints

In the United States, the most common standard frame sizes for prints are 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, and 18x24 inches. These are widely available at craft stores, online retailers, and thrift shops. Some frames are also sold in metric sizes like A4 or A3, but they are less common in the US.

A print does not have to match a standard size exactly to look good. You can use a larger frame with a mat, or a smaller frame if you trim the print (though trimming is risky). The safest approach is to buy a print that matches a standard frame size so you can swap frames later without hassle.

• 5x7 and 8x10 are best for small spaces like desks or gallery walls.
• 11x14 and 16x20 are the most popular for living rooms and hallways.
• 18x24 and larger make a statement but require more wall space and often cost more to frame.

How to measure your frame and space

Before you buy a print, measure the frame's opening from the inside edges, not the outside. That opening is the maximum paper size the frame can hold. If you are buying a new frame, check the listed size carefully: some frames are sold by the outer dimensions, which can be an inch or two larger than the opening.

Next, measure your wall space. A common rule is that art should take up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture below it, like a sofa or console. For a gallery wall, you can mix sizes, but keeping at least one standard size anchor helps the arrangement feel intentional.

• Use a tape measure and write down the opening size in inches.
• Tape off the print size on the wall with painter's tape to visualize it before buying.
• Leave at least 2 inches of wall space around the frame if it is near a corner or door.

When to choose a non-standard size

Sometimes a non-standard size is worth the extra effort. Large linocuts or woodcut prints often come in unusual dimensions because they are hand-printed on traditional paper sizes. For example, a linocut with a 39.5 x 39.5 inch paper size will need a custom frame or a frame built for that exact size.

If you fall in love with a non-standard print, budget for custom framing or a DIY frame kit. Custom framing can cost several times the price of the print, so factor that into your decision. If the print is inexpensive, a simple poster hanger or magnetic frame can be a budget-friendly alternative.

• Non-standard sizes are common in hand-pulled prints and limited editions.
• Get a framing quote before you commit to a large non-standard print.
• Consider a print hanger or clip frame for a low-cost display option.

Decision rules for buying art prints by size

• If you want to use a ready-made frame: Choose a print with a paper size that matches a standard frame size like 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, or 18x24 inches. Check the paper size, not the image size, before you buy.
• If you are buying a large hand-pulled print: Expect non-standard dimensions and budget for custom framing. For example, a 39.5 x 39.5 inch linocut will not fit a standard frame. Get a framing quote before purchasing to avoid surprises.
• If you are unsure about the size: Tape off the dimensions on your wall with painter's tape and live with it for a day. This helps you judge scale before you commit. Return policies vary, so measure twice and buy once.

Print size examples from Starfangled Press

• Black Balsam Screenprint: Paper size is 14 x 11 inches (36cm x 28cm), printed on 110 lb. soft white cardstock. This fits standard 11x14 inch frames, which are easy to find and affordable. The sturdy cardstock also holds up well without a mat.
• Cosmic White Squirrel Screenprint: Screenprinted by hand on soft white paper with a rich, flat matte finish. The matte finish reduces glare, so you can hang it in a bright room without glass that has anti-reflective coating. The paper size is not listed, so measure carefully or ask before buying a frame.
• Camp: Linocut on Okawara paper with an image size of 35 x 36 inches (89cm x 91cm) and paper size of 39.5 x 39.5 inches (97cm x 97cm). This is a large statement piece that will require custom framing or a professional frame shop. The paper size is nearly 40 inches square, so measure your wall before committing.

Who this guide is for

Best for

• First-time art print buyers who want to avoid custom framing costs
• Anyone decorating a gallery wall with standard frames
• Gift-givers who need a print that fits a ready-made frame

Not for

• Collectors seeking specific limited-edition sizes who already know their frame dimensions
• Buyers who want a print for a non-standard frame they already own without measuring

Choosing the right art print size comes down to measuring your frame opening and wall space, then matching those numbers to a standard size whenever possible. When a print is non-standard, factor in the cost and effort of custom framing before you buy. With a little planning, you can enjoy your print without the hassle of returns or expensive framing surprises.