When purchasing a custom picture frame online something that can put some people off is when it comes to the measuring. Again, I emphasise the word "some" here as the majority of people have no issues when it comes to providing the measurements. But for others, it is not so easy, and they are not as confident about the whole process. "What if I get it wrong?" Or "What if the frame arrives and my picture doesn’t fit?"
Well, here is the good news. It is very simple to measure your artwork for a picture frame. And once you know how, you will wonder why you ever worried and doubted yourself in the first place.
Let’s walk through it in plain English, but please remember that we are here to help. If at any stage you are unsure or have any questions, we welcome you to contact us via email or phone. You can find our contact details on this page of The Picture Gallery website:https://picturegalleryuk.com/contact-information-and-location-maps
Start with the Artwork – Not the Frame
The biggest mistake people make is measuring the outside of a frame. That is not what you need. What really matters is the size of the artwork or photo that will sit inside the frame.
So, place your artwork on a flat surface and measure it from edge to edge — the full width and the full height. A metal ruler or tape measure is usually the most accurate option, especially if you are working in millimetres.
Once you have got those two measurements, write them down somewhere safe. These numbers are the key to everything that follows.
Keep It Simple: Measure What You Want to See
A useful rule of thumb in picture framing is this: measure the part of the artwork you want visible in the frame.
For many photos or prints, that’s simply the entire piece. But sometimes artwork includes a white border, a signature, or extra space around the image. At that point you have a choice. Do you want the border showing, or would you prefer it hidden behind a mount?
Neither option is wrong — it’s purely personal preference.
A Quick Note About Mounts
Mounts (sometimes called mats) are the card borders that sit between the artwork and the frame. They are great for giving a piece a more professional look and help keep the artwork slightly away from the glass.
When a mount is used, the opening in the mount is normally cut slightly smaller than the artwork itself. That tiny overlap — usually just a few millimetres — helps hold the artwork neatly in place so it doesn’t slip through the aperture.
Most people never notice this overlap, but it’s an important part of framing that keeps everything secure.
Double Check Before You Order
It might sound obvious, but it’s worth saying anyway: measure twice.
Accurate measurements are what make a custom frame fit perfectly. Even being a few millimetres out can make the difference between a snug fit and a frustrating one. Taking an extra thirty seconds to check your numbers can save a lot of hassle later.
One Last Tip
If you are converting measurements from inches to millimetres (which many framing systems use), simply multiply the inch measurement by 25.4. It sounds technical, but it’s actually very straightforward once you have done it once or twice.
The Bottom Line
Measuring artwork for a picture frame isn’t complicated.
All you really need to do is measure the width and height of your artwork carefully, decide whether you want a mount, and double-check your numbers before ordering.
After that, the enjoyable part begins — choosing the frame style that will show your artwork off at its very best.
And honestly, there’s nothing quite like seeing a favourite photo, print, or piece of art finally framed and hanging proudly on the wall. You are more than likely already aware of this in any case.