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Standard Picture Frame Sizes: The Complete UK Guide (A-Sizes, Inches & CM)

Measure your photo or print from edge to edge, then choose the matching frame size below. Frame sizes describe the picture they fit; the outside measurements vary by frame style.

Find your frame size

Explore available ranges and colours in your size.

Adding a mount? Check both the frame size and the mount opening against your print.

What “standard” picture frame sizes actually means

In the UK, standard frame sizes fall into two families. The first is the A-series (A1, A2, A3, A4 and so on), which is the paper and poster standard used across Europe. The second is traditional photo sizes measured in inches, such as 6x4 and 10x8, which come from print-lab conventions. Knowing which family your artwork belongs to is the single most useful thing you can do before you buy, because it tells you exactly which frame to reach for.

A-size frame dimensions (A1 to A6)

A-sizes follow a neat rule: each size is exactly half of the one above it. A4 is half of A3, A3 is half of A2, and so on. This makes them brilliant for posters, prints, certificates and children’s artwork. Here are the standard A3, A2 and A1 frame dimensions alongside the smaller sizes, in both centimetres and inches.

Size Centimetres (cm) Inches (in)
A1 59.4 x 84.1 cm 23.39 x 33.11 in
A2 42.0 x 59.4 cm 16.54 x 23.39 in
A3 29.7 x 42.0 cm 11.69 x 16.54 in
A4 21.0 x 29.7 cm 8.27 x 11.69 in
A5 14.8 x 21.0 cm 5.83 x 8.27 in
A6 10.5 x 14.8 cm 4.13 x 5.83 in

So if you have ever wondered about the A4 frame size in cm, it is 21.0 x 29.7 cm – the same as a standard sheet of printer paper. A4 and A3 are far and away our most popular sizes for prints and posters, and you can browse the full spread over on our complete frames collection.

Common photo and print sizes (6x4, 7x5, 8x6, 10x8, 12x10)

If your images came from a photo lab, high-street printer or your phone’s print service, they will almost certainly be in inches. These photo frame sizes are the classics, and every one of them is a standard fit you can order off the shelf.

Photo size (inches) Centimetres (cm) Best for
6x4 in 15.2 x 10.2 cm Everyday snaps, standard prints
7x5 in 17.8 x 12.7 cm Portraits, keepsake photos
8x6 in 20.3 x 15.2 cm Family photos, small prints
10x8 in 25.4 x 20.3 cm Statement portraits, gifts
12x10 in 30.5 x 25.4 cm Larger prints and artwork

The 6x4 photo is the most common of all – it is the default size most labs print – while 10x8 has become the go-to for framed gifts and mantelpiece portraits. Our classic range covers all of these popular photo sizes in timeless finishes.

Square frame sizes

Square prints come in both inch and centimetre sizes. An 8×8 inch print measures 20.32 × 20.32 cm, a 10×10 inch print measures 25.4 × 25.4 cm, and a 12×12 inch print measures 30.48 × 30.48 cm. These are different from exact 20×20, 25×25 and 30×30 cm prints, so measure your print and match the stated frame size.

Shop 10×10 inch frames — all available ranges and colours →

How to measure your print (measure the artwork, not the frame)

Here is the golden rule that saves the most returns: always measure the artwork itself, not any frame it might already be in. Frame sizes are named after the picture they hold, not their outer edge, so a “10x8 frame” is built to display a 10x8 inch print.

  • Lay your photo, poster or print on a flat surface.
  • Measure the width first, then the height, edge to edge of the printed area you want on show.
  • Match those numbers to the charts above – if it is close to a standard size, that is the frame you need.
  • If you are between sizes, size up rather than down; you can always add a mount to make up the difference.

With a mount vs without a mount

A mount (sometimes called a mount board or mat) is the card border that sits between your picture and the frame. It does two lovely things: it gives your artwork room to breathe and it makes even a small photo feel more considered and gallery-like.

For a frame supplied with a mount, check the nominal frame size and the mount opening. The nominal frame size describes the size held inside the frame, not its physical outside dimensions. The opening must suit your print; check the product’s stated measurements before ordering. Browse our frames with a mount or read the size guide for more help.

Frequently asked questions

What size frame do I need for an A4 print?

An A4 print (21.0 x 29.7 cm) needs an A4 frame if you want it edge to edge, or an A3 frame with an A4 mount aperture if you would like a border around it.

Is 10x8 bigger than A4?

No. Compared in portrait orientation, A4 measures 21 × 29.7 cm and a 10×8 inch print measures 20.32 × 25.4 cm. A4 is larger in both dimensions. Choose a frame that matches your exact print size, or check the mount opening if you are using a mount.

Can I put a smaller photo in a bigger frame?

Yes – that is exactly what a mount is for. Choose a larger frame with a mount aperture cut to your photo’s size, and the mount neatly fills the surrounding space.

Are your frames a standard fit?

Absolutely. Every frame we sell is a ready-made, standard UK size, so the dimensions in this guide are exactly what you will receive.

Ready to find the perfect fit? Explore our full range of standard frames – with free UK delivery and 30-day returns, it is easy to get it just right.