Reference
Frame sizes for drawings.
Pick a standard frame to see the mount aperture and border you get, and which paper sizes fit behind the mount. All figures are calculated for a 6 mm mount overlap.
| Frame | mm | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 5.83 × 8.27 |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.27 × 11.69 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 11.69 × 16.54 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 16.54 × 23.39 |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 23.39 × 33.11 |
| 8 × 10 inch | 203.2 × 254 | 8 × 10 |
| 9 × 12 inch | 228.6 × 304.8 | 9 × 12 |
| 10 × 12 inch | 254 × 304.8 | 10 × 12 |
| 11 × 14 inch | 279.4 × 355.6 | 11 × 14 |
| 12 × 16 inch | 304.8 × 406.4 | 12 × 16 |
| 16 × 20 inch | 406.4 × 508 | 16 × 20 |
| 18 × 24 inch | 457.2 × 609.6 | 18 × 24 |
| 20 × 24 inch | 508 × 609.6 | 20 × 24 |
| 24 × 30 inch | 609.6 × 762 | 24 × 30 |
| 30 × 40 cm | 300 × 400 | 11.81 × 15.75 |
| 40 × 50 cm | 400 × 500 | 15.75 × 19.69 |
| 50 × 70 cm | 500 × 700 | 19.69 × 27.56 |
How framing works
A mounted drawing has three parts: the drawing sheet, the mount board with a window cut in it (the aperture), and the frame. The mount overlaps the sheet by a few millimetres, so the sheet must be bigger than the aperture. Work from the frame inwards: choose the frame, choose your border, and the aperture follows. For your own numbers use the frame and mount calculator, and for the full method read how to frame and mount a drawing. Planning a print? See paper sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a mount size for a drawing?+
Start with the visible image (the aperture), then add a border of 50 to 80 mm (2 to 3 inches) on each side, with a slightly deeper bottom border if you like. That gives the mount board size, which becomes the frame size you need. Each frame page shows the aperture you get at several border widths.
Does the mount cover the edge of the drawing?+
Yes. The mount overlaps the paper by around 5 to 10 mm on every side, so the sheet must be larger than the aperture. The frame pages show the sheet size needed at each border.
Which frame size is best for an A4 drawing?+
An A4 sheet fits an A4 frame unmounted. For a mounted A4 drawing, an 11 × 14 inch or 12 × 16 inch frame gives a comfortable border.