Skip to content

Frame size guide

11 × 14 inch frame

A 11 × 14 inch frame has an opening of 279.4 × 355.6 mm (11 × 14 inches). A very popular frame size for mounted drawings, with standard mounts widely available.

Mount aperture by border width

The wider the border, the smaller the visible image. All figures assume the mount overlaps the drawing sheet by 6 mm on every side.

BorderAperture (mm)Aperture (in)Sheet needed (mm)
30 mm (1.18 in)219.4 × 295.68.64 × 11.64231.4 × 307.6
40 mm (1.57 in)199.4 × 275.67.85 × 10.85211.4 × 287.6
50 mm (1.97 in)179.4 × 255.67.06 × 10.06191.4 × 267.6
60 mm (2.36 in)159.4 × 235.66.28 × 9.28171.4 × 247.6
70 mm (2.76 in)139.4 × 215.65.49 × 8.49151.4 × 227.6

Many artists add a slightly deeper bottom border, around 10 to 20 percent more than the top and sides, so the picture sits comfortably. Use the frame and mount calculator to work it out with your own numbers.

Paper sizes that fit

11 × 14 inch paper (see the 11 × 14 inch guide) matches this frame unmounted. For a mounted drawing, use a smaller sheet as below.

BorderStandard paper sizes that work behind the mount
30 mmNo standard size fits exactly - cut a custom sheet of 231.4 × 307.6 mm
40 mm9 × 12 inch
50 mmA4, US Letter, 9 × 12 inch
60 mmA4, US Letter, 9 × 12 inch
70 mmA4, US Letter, 9 × 12 inch

Framing tips

  • Measure your actual frame before cutting a mount - sizes vary slightly between makers.
  • Use acid-free mount board and a spacer so the drawing never touches the glass.
  • Consider UV-filtering glazing for work on paper that will hang in daylight.

Full method: how to frame and mount a drawing. Choosing paper: archival paper for selling your drawings.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a 11 × 14 inch frame?+

A 11 × 14 inch frame has an opening of 279.4 × 355.6 mm (11 × 14 inches). The visible image inside a mount will be smaller, depending on the border.

What size drawing fits a 11 × 14 inch frame with a mount?+

With a 50 mm border all round, the aperture is 179.4 × 255.6 mm, so the drawing sheet needs to be at least 191.4 × 267.6 mm to sit behind a mount overlapping by 6 mm.

Can I put an 11 × 14 inch drawing in a 11 × 14 inch frame?+

Yes, unmounted: 11 × 14 inch paper is the same nominal size as a 11 × 14 inch frame. For a mounted drawing, choose a smaller sheet or a larger frame.

The studio letter

One drawing lesson, once a month.

New guides, tool updates and the story behind a finished drawing - straight from the studio. No spam.