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Calculate a Mat Opening and Finished Frame Size

Plan the visible mat window, outer mat board and approximate outside frame dimensions from your artwork, overlap, borders and moulding width.

Quick answer

The mat window is slightly smaller than the artwork so every edge remains covered. Add the chosen side, top and bottom borders to get the outer mat, then add moulding width only when you need an approximate outside frame footprint.

window = artwork − overlap on both edges
Interactive production planner
window = artwork − overlap on both edges

Artwork → mat opening and frame footprint

Approx. frame outside
Outer mat
Visible window
Calculated resultsUpdates as you change the inputs
Mat window in inPrimary result
7.764 × 9.764 in
Mat window in millimetresResult
197.2 × 248 mm
Outer mat in inResult
11.701 × 14.094 in
Approximate outside frameResult
13.276 × 15.669 in

Cutting check: the outer mat must fit inside the frame rabbet, while the artwork must remain behind the window on every edge. Measure the real frame and confirm tolerance before cutting valuable board.

When to use this tool

Use it for a specific print decision.

  • Use it when ordering a custom mat for a photo, art print, certificate or work on paper.
  • Use it to compare equal borders with a bottom-weighted presentation before cutting board.
  • Use the approximate outside footprint to check whether a framed piece will fit a wall, shelf, package or display area.
How to use it

A result you can reproduce.

  1. Measure the actual artwork or print, not only the advertised paper name.
  2. Choose how much mat will overlap each edge and set the visible borders.
  3. Verify the calculated outer mat against the frame rabbet and measure real moulding before cutting.

Every result is calculated in the page from the displayed inputs. Your printer's written production specification remains the final authority.

Worked example

See the numbers in context.

An 8 × 10 inch print with a 3 mm overlap, 50 mm side/top borders and a 60 mm bottom border creates a 197.2 × 248 mm window and a 297.2 × 358 mm outer mat.

Measure the artwork, mat and frame →
Related calculationsAspect ratio & crop →Best print size finder →Print size to pixels →
From calculation to production

Verify the Mat & frame calculator result with your real file.

The mat window is slightly smaller than the artwork so every edge remains covered. Add the chosen side, top and bottom borders to get the outer mat, then add moulding width only when you need an approximate outside frame footprint. Then compare the result with the print provider's written specification.

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