We manufacture American Made picture frames but that doesn’t mean that our customers will always have American sized prints when they are looking for frames. A lot of international artists will size their pieces with the dimensions they’re familiar with. If you are looking for a picture frame for your piece prior to receiving it, you might be lost on what size to purchase. This is your comprehensive guide to International frame size conversion when buying frames online.
Why Picture Frame Sizes Vary Between American and The Rest of The World.
In the United States, standard paper sizes are decided by the American National Standards Institute, or ANSI. In the rest of the world, the sizes are determined by the International Organization for Standardization or ISO. ISO sizes are based on the aspect ratio of the square root of 2, whereas ANSI sizes are individually set. Standard picture frame sizes are determined based on the standard as well as popular photography paper printing sizes. The differences between ISO and ANSI are why you will ultimately see different picture frame sizes based on where the company you are shopping with is manufacturing their picture frames.
Exploring International Frame Size Standards
We’ve talked extensively about the standard sizes for picture frames when it comes to manufacturing in the United States. Now we’re here to share some standard/common international frame sizes. There are three series that make up ISO paper sizes, A, B, and C. Each series consists of roughly 10 different sizes.
The aspect ratio format allows each paper size to split down the middle and create a different size within the series. The most common series that you will see in the art and framing world is the A series, followed by the b series. The B series is simply the in between or missing sizes between each A size. Below is a frame size outline of 1-6 that are comparable to popular American picture frame sizes.
| International Sizes | Size in Inches |
|---|---|
| A1 | 23.4 x 33.1 |
| A2 | 16.5 x 23.4 |
| A3 | 11.7 x 16.5 |
| A4 | 8.3 x 11.7 |
| A5 | 5.8 x 8.3 |
| A6 | 4.1 x 5.8 |
Finding The Right Picture Frame Size for Your Artwork
Now that you know the most common ISO sizes that have comparable picture frame sizes how do you go about finding the right size?! We’re here to help you. Every frame on frameusa.com will hold an image of the exact same size. An 8×10 frame will hold an 8×10 image. Since every single standard ISO size isn’t a whole number, it won’t be as simple as just selecting one of our standard sizes to match your image. Don’t worry, you can still purchase any of our USA made picture frames for your international artwork. You will have to choose one of the three methods of international frame size conversion.
Custom Picture Frames Online
Almost every one of our Metal and Wooden picture frames has the option to order a custom size. Our website limits measurements for custom frames to increments of 0.25 inches. You will need to look at the piece you are ordering and determine if you are able to trim it down to fit this constraint. For most of the sizes this will only require roughly 0.2 inches total or 0.1 inches from either side of the piece! For instance, if you are looking for an a3 frame, you can easily order an 11.5 x 16.5 custom frame from any of our available series. Check out the chart below for your metric frame sizes on an American website.
| International Size | Actual Size | Frame Size to Order | Trimming Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 23.4 x 33.1 | 23.25 x 33 | 0.15 x 0.1 inches |
| A2 | 16.5 x 23.4 | 16.5 x 23.25 | 0 x 0.15 inches |
| A3 | 11.7 x 16.5 | 11.5 x 16.5 | 0.2 x 0 inches |
| A4 | 8.3 x 11.7 | 8.25 x 11.5 | 0.05 x 0.2 inches |
| A5 | 5.8 x 8.3 | 5.75 x 8.25 | 0.05 x 0.05 inches |
| A6 | 4.1 x 5.8 | 4 x 5.75 | 0.1 x 0.05 inches |
Frame Size Guide with Mats
If you would rather not permanently alter your newly purchased artwork, simply add a mat to your frame! Utilize our Design A Frame tool to expertly create your one-of-a-kind American Picture Frame. Simply enter in the size that closely fits the increment of 0.25 inches and is equal to or SMALLER than your international art size. The mat will hide the extra, keeping it fully intact for future projects. This will allow you to really customize your artwork with contrasting colors, or complementary mats.
DIY Float Mount for a International Frame Size
The last and final method for purchasing a frame for your metric art dimension will require a little bit of DIY magic, and some spray adhesive or double-sided tape. Utilizing the same tool as the previous method, design a Frame, this time you’re going to skip the mat and choose either black foam core or white foam core for your backing, depending on the colors in your artwork. The size you are going to want to order is going to be LARGER than your artwork. The extra space will allow you to float mount your piece on the backing. You are going to want at least 0.5 inches extra space.
How To Create Your Float Mount Piece
If you are looking for an A2 frame, the closest larger size without the float would be 16.5 x 23.5. However, you are going to want to increase that size even more, so you have extra room to float! For an A2 frame you will be looking to order a 17.5 x 24.5 which will give you 0.5 inches of extra space all the way around to accomplish the floating look. When you receive your frame, simply take your artwork and either spray it with spray adhesive or use double sided tape and simply stick it to the backing in the center and you have a custom one-of-a-kind floating frame.
| International Size | Actual Size | Image Size to Enter |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 23.4 x 33.1 | 24.5 x 33.5 |
| A2 | 16.5 x 23.4 | 17.5 x 24.5 |
| A3 | 11.7 x 16.5 | 12.75 x 17.5 |
| A4 | 8.3 x 11.7 | 9.5 x 12.75 |
| A5 | 5.8 x 8.3 | 6.5 x 9.5 |
| A6 | 4.1 x 5.8 | 4.5 x 6.5 |
In conclusion, there isn’t going to be an exact match when it comes to American picture frame sizes and international frame sizes. These options are simply to help you work with your favorite international artwork and your favorite American framing company, Frame USA.
