# Measuring a Picture Frame: A Comprehensive Guide
Unlocking the true potential of your artwork or cherished photograph often hinges on the perfect frame. But before you can even think about aesthetics, you need to get the measurements right. This seemingly simple task can be a stumbling block for many, leading to ill-fitting frames, wasted money, and unnecessary frustration. Whether you’re a seasoned art collector or a DIY enthusiast looking to spruce up your home décor, understanding how to accurately measure a picture frame is a fundamental skill. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your framing endeavors are successful from start to finish.
Accurate measurements are crucial for both the artwork you intend to frame and the frame itself. For the artwork, you’ll typically need to measure the visible area, often referred to as the “sight size,” which is the part of the artwork that will be exposed once framed. For the frame, measurements will determine if it can accommodate your artwork and any matting you plan to use. Mistaking these measurements can result in a frame that is too small, obscuring parts of your image, or too large, making your artwork appear lost and insignificant.
| Category | Information |
| :—————- | :——————————————————————————- |
| **Item to Measure** | Picture Frame |
| **Purpose** | To determine dimensions for artwork, matting, or replacement needs. |
| **Tools Needed** | Measuring tape or ruler (preferably metal, with clear inch and centimeter markings) |
| **Key Measurements**| Width, Height, Depth (Rabbet Depth) |
| **Reference** | https://www.pictureframes.com/pages/how-to-measure-a-picture-frame |
## Understanding Frame Terminology
Before diving into the measuring process, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some common picture frame terms:
* **Rabbet:** This is the inner lip or ledge of the frame that the artwork rests against. The depth of the rabbet is important for determining if your artwork and any matting will fit within the frame.
* **Sight Size:** This refers to the visible portion of the artwork once it is placed within the frame and any matting. It’s the area you see, not the full dimensions of the artwork.
* **Overall Dimensions:** These are the outermost dimensions of the frame itself.
## How to Measure Your Artwork for Framing
When measuring the artwork itself, there are a few key dimensions to consider:
### Measuring the Sight Size
1. **Lay your artwork flat** on a clean, stable surface.
2. **Measure the width** from the left edge of the visible artwork to the right edge.
3. **Measure the height** from the top edge of the visible artwork to the bottom edge.
4. **Record these measurements precisely** in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference. It’s often helpful to add a small buffer (e.g., 1/8 inch or 2-3 mm) to these measurements to account for slight discrepancies in frame or mat board cutting.
### Measuring the Artwork’s Full Dimensions
If you need to know the total size of the artwork, including any borders or the edges that might be covered by the frame:
* Measure the complete width and height of the artwork from its outermost edges.
## How to Measure an Existing Picture Frame
Measuring a frame you already own is essential if you’re looking to replace it or if you want to insert new artwork into it.
### Measuring the Inside Dimensions (for Artwork and Matting)
1. **Measure the width of the opening** from the inside left edge to the inside right edge of the frame.
2. **Measure the height of the opening** from the inside top edge to the inside bottom edge.
3. **These measurements indicate the maximum size of artwork and matting** that can fit within the frame’s opening.
### Measuring the Rabbet Depth
The rabbet depth is crucial for ensuring your artwork and any matting will fit snugly within the frame.
1. **Carefully remove the artwork and backing** from the frame.
2. **Measure the distance from the front edge of the frame** inward to where the artwork would rest. This is the depth of the rabbet.
3. **You’ll also need to consider the thickness of your artwork and mat board.** Ensure the rabbet is deep enough to accommodate all layers.
### Measuring the Outside Dimensions
1. **Measure the total width** of the frame from its outermost left edge to its outermost right edge.
2. **Measure the total height** of the frame from its outermost top edge to its outermost bottom edge.
3. These measurements are useful for understanding the frame’s overall footprint and for shipping purposes.
## Factoids and Tips
When measuring, always use a reliable measuring tool. A flexible measuring tape can be useful for irregular shapes, but for most standard frames and artwork, a rigid ruler or metal measuring tape will provide the most accurate results.
* Always double-check your measurements. It’s a good practice to measure twice and cut once, or in this case, buy once.
* Consider the width of the frame molding itself. A wider molding will create a larger-looking frame, even if the opening size is the same as a frame with a narrower molding.
* If you are framing a canvas that is unstretched (i.e., just the fabric), you will need to measure the fabric dimensions. If it’s a stretched canvas, you’ll measure the dimensions of the canvas itself, and then account for the thickness of the stretcher bars when considering frame depth.
The “sight size” is the most critical measurement when determining what will be visible through the frame’s opening. Ensure this measurement accurately reflects the portion of your artwork you wish to display.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
### Q1: What is the difference between frame size and artwork size?
**A1:** Frame size typically refers to the size of the artwork it is designed to hold, meaning the measurements of the opening (e.g., an 8×10 frame holds an 8×10 inch picture). However, the overall dimensions of the frame (including the molding) will be larger.
### Q2: Do I need to account for matting when measuring?
**A2:** Yes, if you plan to use a mat, you need to ensure the frame’s opening is large enough to accommodate both your artwork and the mat board. The mat board will cover a small portion of your artwork’s edges (usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch), so factor this into your measurements.
### Q3: How do I measure a frame that is already holding artwork?
**A3:** You can measure the outside dimensions of the frame. To determine the inside opening, you will need to measure the width and height from the inner lip (rabbet) where the artwork sits. If possible, it’s best to carefully remove the artwork to get the most accurate measurement of the frame’s opening and rabbet depth.
### Q4: What if my artwork’s dimensions don’t perfectly match standard frame sizes?
**A4:** You have a few options. You can choose a slightly larger frame and use a custom-cut mat board to fill the space. Alternatively, you can opt for custom framing, where the frame and mat are made to your exact specifications.
### Q5: How important is the frame’s depth?
**A5:** The frame’s depth, or rabbet depth, is important for ensuring your artwork, mat board, and backing material all fit within the frame without protruding. For very thick items like canvases or multi-layered artwork, you’ll need a frame with a deeper rabbet.
