Picture frame sizes can be confusing because a frame may be described by the image it holds, the opening you can see or its overall outside dimensions. In Australia, you will usually encounter two groups: familiar photo sizes such as 4 × 6 and 8 × 10 inches, and metric A-series sizes such as A4, A3 and A2. This guide explains both systems, shows the equivalent measurements in centimetres and helps you decide when a standard or custom frame is the better fit.
The Quick Answer
A frame size normally refers to the artwork, photo or print it is designed to hold—not the frame's outside edge. For example, an A4 frame is intended for a 21 × 29.7 cm print. If you add a mat board, the visible opening will be smaller than the paper and the outside frame will be larger. Always check whether a seller is quoting the artwork size, opening size or external dimensions.
How Picture Frame Sizes Work
There are three measurements to keep separate. The artwork size is the full width and height of your photo or print. The visible opening is the area you see after the artwork sits behind the frame lip or mat board. The outside frame size includes the moulding and depends on the frame profile, so it cannot be calculated from the artwork size alone. When ordering a custom framed print online, start with the image orientation and the print size shown in the live configurator.
Standard Picture Frame Sizes in Australia
Australian framing uses metric measurements, but many popular photo formats are still described in inches. The first table below covers common photo proportions; the second covers ISO A-series paper sizes. The exact range available from any framer can change, so treat these as reference dimensions and confirm the live product options before ordering.
A-Series Frame Sizes
A-series sizes keep the same proportions as they scale, which makes them practical for documents, posters, certificates and digital artwork already designed to A4, A3, A2 or A1. An A3 sheet is twice the area of A4, while A2 is twice the area of A3. If your file already matches an A-series ratio, choosing the same frame size avoids unnecessary cropping.
Photo Sizes and Aspect Ratios
Traditional photo sizes do not all share the same shape. A 4 × 6 or 8 × 12 print uses a 2:3 ratio, while 8 × 10 uses a 4:5 ratio. If your image and chosen print have different proportions, some cropping is required or a border must be added. Check the preview carefully so important faces, text and details remain inside the final crop.
How to Measure for a Picture Frame
- Measure the artwork itself from edge to edge, width first, then height.
- Decide whether the whole sheet should remain visible or whether a small edge can sit behind the frame lip or mat board.
- Record the orientation as portrait, landscape, square or panoramic.
- If a mat board is required, choose the opening around the image rather than adding a guessed amount to the outside frame.
- Confirm all dimensions against the live configurator before placing the order.
Choosing a Mat Board
A mat board creates visual space between the image and frame and can give a framed print a more traditional gallery-style finish. It also changes the finished outside dimensions. The selected print sits behind the mat opening, and the frame is built around the mat's outer size. Use the configurator preview to compare a mat border with a borderless presentation instead of assuming the same outside frame measurement.
Standard or Custom Size?
Choose a standard size when your image already matches a common photo or A-series proportion and the available format suits your wall. Choose custom sizing when the artwork has unusual proportions, needs a precise crop, includes important edge detail or must fit a particular space. Custom framing also helps when you want the frame, mat border and image to work together rather than forcing the image into a preset ratio.
Choose a Frame for Your Photo
Once you know the orientation and approximate size you want, compare Framely's framed paper options, frame colours and optional mat border. The live configurator shows the sizes currently available and lets you preview the crop before ordering.