What Size Picture Frame Do I Need? A Complete Size Guide (5x7, 8x10, 11x14 & More)

Standing in front of a wall of empty frames — or scrolling through an endless online catalog — most people ask the same question: what size picture frame do I actually need? It sounds simple, but frame sizing trips up more people than you'd expect, especially once mats, borders, and non-standard photo sizes enter the picture.

At West Coast Frames, we've been handcrafting picture frames since 1928 — which means we've fielded this exact question for nearly a century, across three generations of framers. This guide pulls from that experience to give you a clear, no-guesswork answer, whether you're framing a family portrait, a certificate, or a gallery wall of prints.

Why Picture Frame Sizing Matters More Than You Think

A frame that's even half an inch off can leave awkward gaps around your photo, force you into a mat you didn't want, or — worse — crop out part of the image when it's mounted. Getting the size right up front saves you a return, a re-order, or a permanently annoyed feeling every time you walk past that crooked gap on the wall.

The good news: picture frames follow a small set of standard sizes, and once you know them, choosing gets a lot easier.

The Most Common Standard Picture Frame Sizes

5x7 Picture Frames

The 5x7 is the classic "everyday" frame size — small enough for a nightstand or bookshelf, but substantial enough to be a real focal point. It's the go-to for:

• Individual portraits
• Small family photos
• Framed quotes or small prints
• Gifts (graduations, weddings, baby announcements)

Browse our full range of 5x7 picture frames in gold, black, and contemporary finishes.

8x10 Picture Frames

The 8x10 is arguably the most popular picture frame size in the US — it's the standard size for professional portraits, school photos, and most printed photo enlargements. If you're not sure what size to pick and you have a fairly standard photo, 8x10 is usually a safe bet.

Common uses:

• Professional headshots and portraits
• Family photos for shelves or walls
• Standalone art prints

11x14 Picture Frames

Once you move past 11x14, you're in "statement piece" territory. This size works well for:

• Large-format prints and artwork
• Group or family portraits meant to anchor a wall
• Framing a photo with a wide mat around a smaller print

Because it's a bigger investment (both the print and the frame), it's worth double-checking your photo's resolution can support this size without looking blurry or pixelated when printed.

Other Standard Sizes Worth Knowing

• 4x6 — the classic snapshot size, common for photo booth prints and casual photos
• 16x20 — a large statement size for living rooms and galleries
• A4 / 8.5x11 — the standard size for documents, diplomas, and certificates (not a "photo" size, but essential to know)

Standard Size vs. Custom Size: Which Do You Need?

Most photos and prints fit neatly into standard sizes — which is why ready-made frames exist in the first place. But standard sizing doesn't always work for:

• Non-standard print sizes (panoramic photos, square Instagram prints, oddly cropped images)
• Framing multiple items together (a collage or shadow box arrangement)
• Matching an exact wall space or gap in a gallery layout

If your piece doesn't fit a standard size, custom framing is the better route. Our Custom Frame Designer lets you build a frame to your exact dimensions — choose your moulding, upload your photo, and preview it on a wall before you order.

How to Measure for a Picture Frame (Quick Method)

Measure your photo or print first — width and height, in inches, to the nearest 1/8".

• Decide if you want a mat. A mat adds visual breathing room but reduces the visible image size — so a 5x7 photo in an 8x10 frame with a mat is a common, attractive combination.
• Round up if unsure. It's easier to add a mat to fill extra space than to force an oversized photo into a too-small frame.
• When in doubt, go custom. If your measurements fall between standard sizes, a custom-built frame avoids any compromise.

Choosing a Frame Style to Match Your Size

Size is only half the equation — finish and style matter just as much for the final look:

• Gold picture frames — ornate, traditional, great for portraits and formal spaces
• Black picture frames — clean and versatile, works in almost any room
• Certificate frames — sized for diplomas, awards, and important documents

Whatever size you land on, our frames are handcrafted in the USA, and custom sizing is available on virtually every style if a standard size doesn't quite fit your piece.

West Coast Frames

• Email: gutenney@westcoastframes.com
• Phone: 800-547-3787
• Address: 1615 NW Wescott St, Madras, OR 97741

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common picture frame size?

8x10 is generally considered the most common size in the US, closely followed by 5x7 and 4x6, since these match standard photo print and portrait sizes.

What size frame do I need for an 8x10 photo?

An 8x10 photo fits an 8x10 frame exactly if you're not using a mat. If you want a mat border, you'd typically go up to an 11x14 frame with an 8x10 mat opening.

Can I get a custom size if my photo doesn't fit a standard frame?

Yes — our Custom Frame Designer allows you to build a frame to any exact dimension, so non-standard prints or documents still get a perfect fit.

Do standard size frames come with glass?

Yes, all of our ready-made frames include clear glass and a sawtooth hanger, ready to display as soon as they arrive.

What size frame is best for a certificate or diploma?

Most certificates and diplomas are 8.5x11, so an 8.5x11 or 11x14 frame (with a mat) works well. See our dedicated certificate frames collection for options built for this exact size.

Conclusion

Picking the right picture frame size doesn't have to be complicated once you know the standard options and how to measure for them. Whether you're framing a simple 5x7 keepsake, an 8x10 portrait, or a larger 11x14 statement piece, matching the frame to your photo — and choosing a finish that fits your space — makes all the difference in the final result.

If your piece doesn't fit a standard size, don't force it — our Custom Frame Designer makes it just as easy to build something made to measure. Browse our full collection of handcrafted picture frames and find the right fit for your next photo, print, or keepsake.