What size frame and mount do you need for your print?
A frame is named for the size of the print or mount board it holds, so a 16 × 12 in frame holds a 16 × 12 in mount. A mount covers the edge of your print, usually by 3 to 5 mm on each side, so the visible picture is smaller than the print itself. Choose your print size below and the helper shows which frames suit it, the width of the mount borders, and the size of mount opening to order. The table shows common combinations with a 5 mm overlap and an even border. See also the paper size guide, the photo crop checker and my photo printing service.
| Frame | Mount opening | Side border | Top and bottom border | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 × 4 in print | 10 × 8 in frame | 142 × 92 mm | 56 mm | 56 mm |
| 7 × 5 in print | 12 × 10 in frame | 168 × 117 mm | 69 mm | 69 mm |
| 10 × 8 in print | 16 × 12 in frame | 244 × 193 mm | 81 mm | 56 mm |
| 12 × 8 in print | 18 × 12 in frame | 295 × 193 mm | 81 mm | 56 mm |
| 16 × 12 in print | 20 × 16 in frame | 396 × 295 mm | 56 mm | 56 mm |
| A4 print | A3 frame | 287 × 200 mm | 67 mm | 49 mm |
| A3 print | A2 frame | 410 × 287 mm | 92 mm | 67 mm |
| A3+ print | A2 frame | 473 × 319 mm | 61 mm | 51 mm |
Frame and mount questions
What size frame do I need for an A4 print?
An A4 print looks best in an A3 frame with a mount. With a 5 mm overlap the opening is 287 × 200 mm. For a landscape print the borders are about 67 mm at the sides and 49 mm at the top and bottom, and the other way round for a portrait print. Without a mount, use an A4 frame.
How big is a mount opening?
The opening is the print size minus the overlap on each side. For a 10 × 8 in print and a 5 mm overlap the opening is 244 × 193 mm, so the print overlaps the mount by 5 mm all round and is held behind it.
What is a weighted bottom mount?
A weighted mount has a slightly wider border at the bottom than at the top. It looks balanced to the eye and is a traditional way to mount prints. The helper adds 6 mm to the bottom border and takes it from the top.
Does a mount hide part of my photo?
Yes. The mount covers the outer few millimetres of the print, so keep important detail away from the edge when you crop. The photo crop checker shows how your photo fits each print size.