Which Print Size Fits Your Frame? 2:3, 3:4, 4:5, 11×14 and A Sizes
Frames come in dozens of sizes, but almost all of them belong to just five shapes. Once you know the shape – the aspect ratio – of your frame, choosing the right file is simple, and your print fills the frame with nothing cut off and no white bars.
What an aspect ratio is
The aspect ratio is the relationship between the short and the long side of a picture. An 8×12 inch print and a 24×36 inch poster are both 2:3: the long side is one and a half times the short side. An 8×10 is 4:5, much closer to square. If you print a 2:3 image on 8×10 paper, the lab must either crop about a sixth of the picture or add white bars. That is why every Gallery Print wall-art download includes five files, one for each common ratio.
The five ratios and the sizes they fit
| File | Inches | Centimetres | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:3 | 4×6, 8×12, 12×18, 16×24, 20×30, 24×36 | 20×30, 40×60, 60×90 | Posters, large canvases, photo prints |
| 3:4 | 6×8, 9×12, 12×16, 18×24 | 30×40, 45×60, 60×80 | Ready-made frames, canvases |
| 4:5 | 4×5, 8×10, 16×20 | 40×50 | Classic US frames and mats |
| 11×14 | 11×14, 22×28 | — | US frames with or without a mat |
| ISO A | — | A5, A4, A3, A2, A1, 50×70 | European and UK frames |
The same table, together with a list of online poster sizes, is also on every collection page under “Which file for which size?”.
Frames with a mat (passe-partout)
A mat is the card border inside the frame. With a mat, what matters is the mat opening, not the frame. Common combinations:
- 8×10 frame with a mat for 5×7 – the 5×7 is close to 2:3; use the 2:3 file and let the mat hide a few millimetres.
- 11×14 frame with a mat for 8×10 – use the 4:5 file.
- 16×20 frame with a mat for 11×14 – use the 11×14 file.
- 18×24 frame with a mat for 12×18 – use the 2:3 file.
- 50×70 cm frame with a mat for A3 or 40×50 – use ISO A or 4:5.
Tip: order the print about 6 mm (¼ inch) larger than the mat opening on every side, so the edge of the paper hides behind the mat.
Frames without a mat
Without a mat, print the image at exactly the frame size: a 24×36 poster frame takes the 2:3 file at 24×36 inches, an A3 frame takes the ISO A file at A3, a 16×20 frame takes the 4:5 file. Most frames overlap the print by 3–5 mm on each side, which is why a full-bleed print looks best.
Which size for which wall?
A simple rule: art above a sofa, bed or sideboard looks right at about two-thirds of the furniture width. Above a 2 m (80 in) sofa that means a print around 120–135 cm wide – one large 2:3 canvas, or two or three 50×70 cm prints in a row. A hallway or a narrow wall between windows suits one portrait-format print of 40×60 or 18×24 inches. Hang the centre of the artwork at about 145–150 cm (57–60 in) from the floor.
Planning a set? Prints from the same collection share a palette: three Greek island scenes or two flamenco paintings in matching frames make an easy gallery wall. With our set offer, any 3 or more designs are 25% off.
Canvas sizes
For a stretched canvas, choose the ratio file as above for the front of the canvas, and use the gallery-wrap version of that file so the sides are covered too – see canvas gallery wrap explained. For everything else about uploading and paper, read how to print wall art at home or at a print shop.
