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How to Measure a Picture Frame

5 min read

K Garden

Redecorating your office space? If you think one of the walls is looking a little bare, you might have given some thought to adding a picture in a frame to it or upgrading the artwork it features. But if your picture is currently without a frame, your first step might involve choosing a replacement — a perfect new frame that fits the artwork or documents, for which you will need to complete some measurements.

So if you're looking for answers to the question of “how do you measure a picture frame and take all the measurements with accuracy?” the process doesn't need to be complex. Our article will help you learn the best ways to take accurate measurements of the dimensions of the frame so you can present the whole picture or piece of art proudly on the wall.

Measuring a Picture Frame: The Key Steps

We have three steps that can help you measure a picture frame so that you can choose a replacement one for your image or document. Let's consider those all-important steps to help you take the right measurements before choosing a new frame.

Measuring Picture Frames

Find the Right Tools

First of all, you'll need to get your hands on a tape measure to measure the picture frame accurately. 

Now, accurate tape measures such as the Stanley Powerlock II Power Return Rule are ideal for this since they feature a secure lock that fixes the blade in place and minimizes the creeping during use. They also feature hooks that ensure you can take accurate inside and outside measurements.

Measure the Inside Dimensions

So, with the tape measure, you'll need to measure the height and width of the frame to the nearest inch. Focus on the inside measurements first, and ensure you're looking at the correct unit of measurement. 

Remember that on the tape measure, one side's for inches while the other shows centimeters. Measure the height and width between the inside edges of the frame by starting from the zero point.

Measure the Mat

Then, think carefully about the mat (the thickness of the frame that goes around the image). If you find that the mat borders are two inches wide, this external size adds four inches to the width and four inches to the length you have previously measured, which will give you different measurements. 

6 Stunning Picture Frame Products for Your Office Space

According to Zion Market Research , the picture frame market is expected to reach $15.2bn and increase by a CAGR of 5% from 2023. These are highly popular solutions used in offices, homes, and many other locations. If you are looking for one of these solutions, we have provided a list of six stunning picture frame products that can work perfectly in your office.

#1 Universal Metal Photo Frame

You may want to hang certificates or documents up in your office or show them off in a brand-new, sophisticated-looking photo frame. For this, we recommend the Universal Metal Photo Frame , which is versatile and adds a professional touch to its contents.

Manufacturers created this solution with a sturdy metal material and a dual solution for displaying photos. Its easel back attached to the backing board and metal wall hanger features allow you to either hang the photo on the flat surface of the wall or place it on your desk. The Universal Metal Photo Frame can fit a document or photo that measures 8.5 x 11 inches.

#2 Universal Document Frames

When you want to reframe a document, such as a diploma or a certificate, a new frame can work well. But if you have multiple documents to frame, you may need several new replacement frames. That's where the Universal Document Frames can be ideal. This solution comes with three plastic frames and plastic inserts that seal the picture mount and certificate inside.

Each frame can fit a document that measures 8.5 x 10 inches. Since it gives you the option of placing the frame horizontally or vertically, this is a versatile solution that helps you choose the best way to show off the documents.

#3 Nudell Metal Poster Frame

Have an inspirational poster you want to display in your home office or at work? A poster frame can keep this content in perfect condition and help you show it off to co-workers or employees. This Nudell Metal Poster Frame solution features a protective plastic face, which is highly resistant and durable. Manufacturers designed the frame to fit posters that measure 24 x 36 inches.

The Nudell Metal Poster frame is also easy to mount on the wall, either vertically or horizontally; it features sturdy, metal back clips that are intuitive to use for the mounting process.

#4 Nudell EZ Mount Document Frame

For any special documents, such as a certificate that shows off your credentials, you'll want to frame these and display them in your place of work. The Nudell EZ Mount Document Frame has a time-saving design that allows you to load documents into the frame behind the mount opening.

We also recommend this solution for its durable, unbreakable plastic face and its sophisticated, professional plastic frame. And since you can mount this frame onto the document with a landscape or a portrait orientation, it offers versatility in its design. This solution fits documents that measure 8.5 x 11 inches.

Picture Frames

#5 DAX Black Solid Wood Poster Frames

If you have a poster to display in a bolder frame you might want a poster frame with a thicker mat. You might also need a solution that protects the poster well. This is what the DAX Black Solid Wood Poster Frames offer. You can use this solution to display your poster behind a clear unbreakable window and hang it in a vertical or horizontal orientation.

The frame itself is made of solid wood, which is an alternative option to the metal or plastic frames you may have viewed. The DAX Black Solid Wood Poster Frames can accommodate posters that measure 18 x 24 inches.

#6 Universal Clear Box Frame

You might be going for a minimalistic look when selecting a frame for your documents or photographs in your office space. This is where clear frames can augment the office design significantly. We recommend the Universal Clear Box Frame for this purpose, which has a clear box frame and is ideal for framing striking photos.

This frame also hangs vertically or horizontally, and you can easily load contents measuring 8.5 x 11 inches through the back of the frame. It's the perfect frame if you want to make the photos the focus of the room. Our tip is that this frame works well if you don't want white borders around the art.

Measure the Width and Height of Your Frames and Choose New Ones from BuyDirect

Measuring the width and height of your frame to pick new ones that match the size of your art doesn't need to be difficult. To determine if a new one will be the perfect fit for the print, follow the tips in this article to measure a picture frame accurately.

Next up, you'll want to find a replacement frame. At BuyDirect, we stock plenty of frames to cover the documents and help you display them. All of the frames listed above are available at BuyDirect. So, make sure begin your search and browse for high-grade frames with us. Shop for picture frames for your artwork, documents, certificates, and more at BuyDirect.

FAQs

If you've got questions, we've got answers! Find more information about measuring picture frames in these FAQs.

How is a Picture Frame Measured?

This is best done by using the inside dimensions of the frame as well as the height and width. You can then align this with the size of the art and the new frame you'd like to purchase. For example, you might have an image that measures 8.5 x 11 inches. In a case like this, your frame's inside dimensions should be approximately 8.5 x 11 inches.

How Much Bigger Should a Picture Frame be Than the Picture?

It ought to be a little bit larger than the dimensions of the picture. This is important to accommodate the rebate of the frame. For example, you'll want to leave approximately 0.04 - 0.12 inches of space on each side of the frame when you're choosing a new one.

What is the Most Common Picture Frame Size?

This tends to be frames that measure either 4 x 6 inches, 5 x 7 inches, or 8 x 10 inches. They're ideal for an office space and look professional. But recently, other sizes have grown in popularity. Square-shaped 5 x 5-inch frames are now frequently used in home offices and offices in workplaces.