1
How To Measure a Frame
The example below is how
we cut all frames,
unless otherwise specified.
All frames will be cut 1/16"
to 1/8" over the size
ordered so your art will fit
properly, unless otherwise
specified.
Back of the
frame
showing
Rabbet
opening
Frame
Height.
Frame
Width.
Front of a frame as viewed displayed
on the wall
Overall Frame Height.
(outside measurement)
Additional
Information
These are the
measurements
given most
commonly when
ordering a picture
frame. ( At The
Gallery all sizes
are quoted giving
these size
references ).
Often referred to
as the "glass size"
or "frame size" it
is the size of the
piece of glass
required that will
not fall through
the central
opening in the
frame.
Additional Information
Measuring a frame in this
way is normally reserved
2
Overall Frame Width.
(outside measurement)
Visible Height.
Visible Width.
A typical cross section from a simple
wooden picture frame design
Moulding Height
(the entire width
Moulding
facing the front
Width
of the frame)
Rabbet Depth
Sight Edge
A typical cross section from a simple
Aluminum picture frame design
Moulding Height
Moulding Width
Rabbet Depth
for when the need is to
fill a given area. It is
NOT a measurement used
in the standard
production of picture
frames, although when
specified calculations can
be made to accommodate
specific needs. You will
see these sizes quoted on
mirrors and pictures to
give an idea of overall
size for the framed item
you may wish to
purchase.
Additional Information
The general reason for
requiring these sizes is to
either match as close as
possible an existing
design or the check
whether the artwork you
wish to have framed will
fit into the rabbet
of the chosen design. As
some matting
combinations can often
be more than 1/2" in
depth. Example, Plain
glass 1/8", double mount
3/16, artwork on foam
core 1/4"
Additional
Information
Aluminum mouldings
are measured slightly
differently than wood,
first they have a set
rabbet that cannot be
extended and the
width visible is nearly
always smaller than
the actual width of the
3
design. Care should
be taken when
measuring an existing
frame as the frame
size is measured from
the inner wall of the
back edge.
Wooden Frame
Additional Information
Aluminum Frame
When measuring frame sizes,
remember to measure from
inside the rabbet on wooden
frames and from the internal
back edge on aluminum
frames.
Basic assembly of simple frame with double mat, Glass and Backing
Additional Information
When measuring artwork
and deciding on mats,
remember to allow about
1/4" over lap so that the
artwork won't fall through
the opening cut in the mat.
Glass ( Regular, Acrylic,
Plastic )
Backing ( 3/16 Foam Core
)
Top Mat
Bottom Mat
Artwork
Double Mat
Additional Information
4
Opening Height
Opening Width
Top mat Width
Bottom Mat Width
Mat measurements could be
a subject all of it's own, but
shown here is a simple
double mount with even
borders. When deciding of
the opening for your artwork
remember to allow for a
small overlap approximately
1/4" all around the image, so
that your artwork won't fall
through the opening when on
display. Smaller tolerance
can be worked with, but this
amount works well on most
occasions.