OPTION 2: Do some math
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: This worksheet can help.
STEP 1: Determine your exact mat opening. Be sure to overlap the edges of the artwork by at least 1/4" for smaller pieces, and up to 1/2" for larger pieces (the accompanying diagram shows a 10" x 14" mat opening).
STEP 2: Determine the inches of exposed mat in each direction. In the accompanying diagram, the total exposed mat in each direction is 6", since it is an even 3" all the way around. Thus:
H = 10" mat opening + 6" mat width = 16"
W = 14" mat opening + 6" mat width = 20"
STEP 3: Determine the united inches (UI) by adding one length plus one width. In the accompanying diagram, the UI value is:
UI = 16" H + 20" W = 36"
STEP 1: Measure stretched canvas at the corners on each side. Measure all canvases and boards down to the nearest 1/16". EXAMPLE: Canvas measures exactly 8 1⁄16 x 10 inches. Order an 8 1⁄16 x 10 inch frame. Give the exact size of your canvas when ordering. We cut frames 1/8 inch larger than the measurements you give us to allow for fit.
STEP 2: Please make sure your stretched canvas is square! Measure corner to corner diagonally, then again on the opposite set of corners. If the measurement is off by more than 1/8 inch, the canvas must be re-stretched. After all, we can only cut frames at 45 degree angles!
STEP 3: Add one length and one width together to determine your frame's United Inch (UI) value.
Standard-sized Watercolor Frame Kit Sizing
For our easy-order watercolor frame kits, we’ve done the math for you, including the United Inches (UI) calculation explained in Custom Picture Frame Kit Sizing. All you need to do is verify that the mat opening works for your artwork. If it doesn't, you can just order a custom frame kit instead. The chart also shows recommended moulding widths for the different sized kits.
7 x 10 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
11" x 14"
25"
7" x 10"
6 1/2" x 9 1/2"
2 1/4"
Eighth Sheet
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
11 1/2" x 15"
27"
7 1/2" x 11"
7" x 10 1/2"
2 1/4"
9 x 12 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
13 1/2" x 16 1/2"
30"
9" x 12"
8 1/2" x 11 1/2"
2 1/2"
Recommended for this section: Moulding widths 3/4" to 1 3/8"
10 x 14 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
14 1/2" x 18 1/2"
33"
10" x 14"
9 1/2" x 13 1/2"
2 1/2"
Quarter Sheet
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
16" x 20"
36"
11" x 15"
10" x 14"
3"
12 x 16 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
17 1/2" x 21 1/2"
39"
12" x 16"
11 1/2" x 15 1/2"
3"
Recommended for this section: Moulding widths 1" to 1 1/2"
14 x 20 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
19 1/2" x 25 1/2"
45"
14" x 20"
13 1/2" x 19 1/2"
3"
Half Sheet
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
20" x 27"
47"
15" x 22"
14" x 21"
3"
Recommended for this section: Moulding widths 1 1/4" to 1 3/4"
18 x 24 Block
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
24" x 30"
54"
18" x 24"
17 1/2" x 23 1/2"
3 1/4"
Full Sheet
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
28" x 36"
64"
22" x 30"
21" x 29"
3 1/2"
Full Sheet Plus
Frame size:
Frame UI:
Paper size:
Mat opening:
Mat width:
32" x 40"
Your specs
22" x 30"
Your specs
Your specs
Recommended for this section: Moulding widths 1 1/2" to 2 1/4"