Paper size guide
16 × 20 inch paper size
16 × 20 inch measures 406.4 × 508 mm, which is 16 × 20 inches (40.64 × 50.8 cm). 16 × 20 inches is a widely stocked frame size for larger prints and drawings.
16 × 20 inch dimensions
| Millimetres | 406.4 × 508 mm |
|---|---|
| Centimetres | 40.64 × 50.8 cm |
| Inches | 16 × 20 in |
| Points | 1152 × 1440 pt |
| Pixels at 72 dpi | 1152 × 1440 px |
| Pixels at 150 dpi | 2400 × 3000 px |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 4800 × 6000 px |
| Proportion | 1 : 1.25 |
Drawing on 16 × 20 inch
A statement size for finished work. It demands steady control across a wider area, but standard frames, mounts and portfolio cases make it practical to present.
Typical uses: large finished drawings, exhibition pieces.
Usable drawing area with a margin
Most artists leave a margin so the drawing can be mounted and the edges stay clean.
| Margin | Drawing area (mm) | Drawing area (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 mm all round | 386.4 × 488 | 15.21 × 19.21 |
| 20 mm all round | 366.4 × 468 | 14.43 × 18.43 |
| 30 mm all round | 346.4 × 448 | 13.64 × 17.64 |
To copy a reference photo accurately onto 16 × 20 inch, try the grid drawing tool, which scales a grid to your paper size. Choosing paper? See the best paper for coloured pencils and paper weight explained.
Framing 16 × 20 inch
A 16 × 20 inch frame takes 16 × 20 inch unmounted. For a mounted drawing, the mount overlaps the sheet by roughly 6 mm each side, so the visible image (aperture) is about 394.4 × 496 mm.
Standard frames that leave at least 20 mm of mount border around a 16 × 20 inch sheet:
| Frame | Side border | Top and bottom |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 99.8 mm | 172.5 mm |
| 18 × 24 inch | 31.4 mm | 56.8 mm |
| 20 × 24 inch | 56.8 mm | 56.8 mm |
| 24 × 30 inch | 107.6 mm | 133 mm |
| 50 × 70 cm | 52.8 mm | 102 mm |
Try your own numbers in the frame and mount calculator, or read how to frame and mount a drawing.
Frequently asked questions
What size is 16 × 20 inch in inches?+
16 × 20 inch is 16 × 20 inches (406.4 × 508 mm, or 40.64 × 50.8 cm).
What is 16 × 20 inch in pixels?+
At 72 dpi 16 × 20 inch is 1152 × 1440 pixels, at 150 dpi it is 2400 × 3000, and at 300 dpi it is 4800 × 6000. Use 300 dpi to scan or print artwork at full quality.
How much of the sheet can I draw on at 16 × 20 inch?+
With a 20 mm margin around the edge, the drawing area on 16 × 20 inch is 366.4 × 468 mm. Leave more if you plan to mount the drawing, because a mount overlaps the paper by around 6 mm on each side.