Frame size guide
12 × 16 inch frame
A 12 × 16 inch frame has an opening of 304.8 × 406.4 mm (12 × 16 inches). A common upgrade from 11 × 14, close to A3 in scale.
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.
| Border | Aperture (mm) | Aperture (in) | Sheet needed (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mm (1.18 in) | 244.8 × 346.4 | 9.64 × 13.64 | 256.8 × 358.4 |
| 40 mm (1.57 in) | 224.8 × 326.4 | 8.85 × 12.85 | 236.8 × 338.4 |
| 50 mm (1.97 in) | 204.8 × 306.4 | 8.06 × 12.06 | 216.8 × 318.4 |
| 60 mm (2.36 in) | 184.8 × 286.4 | 7.28 × 11.28 | 196.8 × 298.4 |
| 70 mm (2.76 in) | 164.8 × 266.4 | 6.49 × 10.49 | 176.8 × 278.4 |
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
12 × 16 inch paper (see the 12 × 16 inch guide) matches this frame unmounted. For a mounted drawing, use a smaller sheet as below.
| Border | Standard paper sizes that work behind the mount |
|---|---|
| 30 mm | No standard size fits exactly - cut a custom sheet of 256.8 × 358.4 mm |
| 40 mm | 11 × 14 inch |
| 50 mm | 11 × 14 inch |
| 60 mm | US Legal, 9 × 12 inch, 11 × 14 inch |
| 70 mm | A4, US Letter, US Legal, 9 × 12 inch, 11 × 14 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 12 × 16 inch frame?+
A 12 × 16 inch frame has an opening of 304.8 × 406.4 mm (12 × 16 inches). The visible image inside a mount will be smaller, depending on the border.
What size drawing fits a 12 × 16 inch frame with a mount?+
With a 50 mm border all round, the aperture is 204.8 × 306.4 mm, so the drawing sheet needs to be at least 216.8 × 318.4 mm to sit behind a mount overlapping by 6 mm.
Can I put an 12 × 16 inch drawing in a 12 × 16 inch frame?+
Yes, unmounted: 12 × 16 inch paper is the same nominal size as a 12 × 16 inch frame. For a mounted drawing, choose a smaller sheet or a larger frame.