Standard Picture Frame Sizes: A Complete UK Guide
A practical reference to standard picture frame sizes in the UK, covering metric, imperial, and photo print dimensions with tips on when bespoke framing makes more sense.
Knowing your standard picture frame sizes saves time, money, and a fair bit of guesswork. Ready-made frames and pre-cut mounts are built around a set of common dimensions, so if your artwork or print fits one of these, you can source materials quickly and affordably. If it does not, that is when bespoke framing comes in.
This guide covers all the standard frame sizes used in the UK, from A-series paper sizes to common photo print dimensions, with both metric and imperial measurements. Bookmark it for next time you need to check.
A-series paper sizes (ISO 216)
These are the most widely used standard frame sizes in the UK. If you have a print, poster, or certificate, chances are it was printed on one of these.
| Size | Millimetres | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 mm | 33.1 × 46.8 in |
| A1 | 594 × 841 mm | 23.4 × 33.1 in |
| A2 | 420 × 594 mm | 16.5 × 23.4 in |
| A3 | 297 × 420 mm | 11.7 × 16.5 in |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | 8.3 × 11.7 in |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 5.8 × 8.3 in |
A-series paper sizes used for picture framing in the UK
A4 and A3 are by far the most common for framing. Certificates, diplomas, and smaller art prints usually come in A4. Larger posters and limited-edition prints tend to be A3 or A2. Anything A1 or A0 is getting into oversized framing territory, where off-the-shelf options become scarce.
Standard photo print sizes
Photo print sizes in the UK follow a separate set of standard frame measurements, based on traditional photographic paper. These are always given in inches.
| Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|
| 6 × 4 in | 15 × 10 cm |
| 7 × 5 in | 18 × 13 cm |
| 8 × 6 in | 20 × 15 cm |
| 10 × 8 in | 25 × 20 cm |
| 12 × 8 in | 30 × 20 cm |
| 12 × 10 in | 30 × 25 cm |
| 14 × 11 in | 36 × 28 cm |
| 16 × 12 in | 41 × 30 cm |
| 20 × 16 in | 51 × 41 cm |
Standard UK photo print sizes in inches and centimetres
The 6x4 and 7x5 are classic snapshot sizes. The 10x8 is the go-to for portrait photography and studio prints. Anything above 16x12 starts to overlap with A-series dimensions, and many framers will refer to the metric equivalent instead.
Imperial frame sizes commonly used in the UK
Alongside photo sizes, the UK framing trade uses a range of imperial standard picture frame dimensions that do not neatly match either A-series or photo prints. These crop up regularly for artwork and decorative prints.
| Inches | Centimetres |
|---|---|
| 8 × 10 in | 20 × 25 cm |
| 9 × 12 in | 23 × 30 cm |
| 11 × 14 in | 28 × 36 cm |
| 12 × 16 in | 30 × 41 cm |
| 16 × 20 in | 41 × 51 cm |
| 18 × 24 in | 46 × 61 cm |
| 20 × 24 in | 51 × 61 cm |
| 24 × 30 in | 61 × 76 cm |
| 24 × 36 in | 61 × 91 cm |
Imperial picture frame sizes commonly stocked in the UK
The 16x20 and 20x24 sizes are popular for gallery-style prints and original paintings. Many high-street frame shops stock these, though the range of moulding styles at those sizes tends to be limited.
Image size, mount opening, and frame size: what is the difference?
This catches people out more than anything else. When we talk about picture frame sizes, there are actually three different measurements in play.
The image size is the dimensions of your artwork or print itself. The mount opening is the window cut into the mount board that shows the image, typically slightly smaller than the image so the edges are held in place. The frame size is the overall external dimension of the frame, which depends on both the mounted image and the width of the moulding. For a full table of outer mount dimensions and aperture sizes, see our standard mount sizes guide.
So a 10x8 inch print in a standard mount might sit inside a frame that measures around 16x14 inches on the outside. Always measure the artwork itself, not an old frame or mount, when ordering. If you are not sure how to measure properly, our guide on measuring for oversized frames covers the process in detail.
When standard sizes work well
Standard frame sizes in cm and inches are ideal when your artwork happens to match. Photographic prints from labs are almost always a standard size. Certificates and diplomas are typically A4. Posters from reputable print shops usually come in A-series or common imperial dimensions.
The main advantage is cost. Ready-made frames and pre-cut mounts for standard sizes are widely available and significantly cheaper than bespoke alternatives. If you are framing a collection of family photos or a set of matching prints, sticking to standard sizes keeps the budget sensible. For a broader look at what framing costs, see our breakdown of custom framing prices.
When you need bespoke framing
Not everything fits a standard size. Original paintings, hand-cut prints, vintage maps, textiles, and sports memorabilia all tend to come in non-standard dimensions. Forcing an odd-sized piece into the nearest standard frame means either losing part of the image behind the mount or having visible gaps.
Bespoke framing means every element is cut to your exact measurements. The frame, mount, glazing, and backing all match your piece precisely. It also opens up choices you will not find off the shelf: conservation-grade materials, specialist glazing, deeper rebates for canvases, or unusual moulding profiles.
There is a real difference in quality too. We have a dedicated post comparing bespoke framing with high-street alternatives if you want to understand what you get for the investment.
Quick reference: standard frame sizes in cm
For anyone searching for standard frame sizes in cm specifically, here is a combined reference of the most commonly framed dimensions in metric.
| Centimetres | Common name |
|---|---|
| 10 × 15 cm | 6×4 photo |
| 13 × 18 cm | 7×5 photo |
| 15 × 20 cm | 8×6 photo |
| 20 × 25 cm | 10×8 photo |
| 21 × 29.7 cm | A4 |
| 25 × 30 cm | 10×12 photo |
| 29.7 × 42 cm | A3 |
| 30 × 40 cm | 12×16 inches |
| 40 × 50 cm | 16×20 inches |
| 42 × 59.4 cm | A2 |
| 50 × 60 cm | 20×24 inches |
| 50 × 70 cm | European poster |
| 59.4 × 84.1 cm | A1 |
| 61 × 91 cm | 24×36 inches |
| 84.1 × 118.9 cm | A0 |
Quick reference of standard picture frame sizes in centimetres
Need a size that is not on the list?
We build every frame from scratch in our workshop in Bollington, Cheshire, so non-standard dimensions are no problem at all. Whether your piece is slightly between sizes or genuinely unusual, we will make a frame that fits it exactly. We have been doing this since 1974 and every frame comes with a 5-year guarantee.
Get in touch with your measurements and we will give you an honest quote. You can also browse our full range of picture framing services to see what we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A4 is 8.3 × 11.7 inches (210 × 297 mm). It is the most common UK frame size for certificates, diplomas, smaller art prints and home printer output.
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A3 is 11.7 × 16.5 inches (297 × 420 mm). A3 is twice the area of A4 and the second most common UK frame size, used widely for posters and limited-edition prints.
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A4 (8.3 × 11.7 inches) and 10 × 8 inches (25 × 20 cm) are the two most common standard picture frame sizes in the UK. A4 dominates for documents, certificates and small prints; 10 × 8 is the standard for portrait photography and studio prints.
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An 8 × 10 inch print typically sits in a frame measuring around 14 × 16 inches on the outside, allowing for a standard 2-inch mount on each side. For a frameless or floating presentation, the outer frame can be very close to the print size. Always measure the print itself, not an old frame.
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50 × 70 cm is approximately 19.7 × 27.6 inches. It is a common European poster size that does not fit any standard UK or A-series dimension exactly. Frames at this size are often imported or made bespoke.
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Both. A-series sizes are always metric (mm or cm). Photo print sizes are always imperial (inches). Imperial frame sizes like 16 × 20 are common for artwork and gallery prints. Most UK framers will work in either, so give measurements in whichever system you have.
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The most common UK standard photo print sizes are 6 × 4 inches (15 × 10 cm) for snapshots, 7 × 5 inches (18 × 13 cm) for slightly larger prints, and 10 × 8 inches (25 × 20 cm) for portrait and studio work. 12 × 8 and 16 × 12 are the next most common.
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Image size is the dimensions of the artwork itself. Mount opening is the window cut into the mount board, typically slightly smaller than the image so the edges are held in place. Frame size is the overall external dimension of the frame, which depends on both the mounted image and the moulding width. A 10 × 8 print in a standard mount usually sits in a frame around 14 × 16 inches.
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