Picture Mat Size Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Picture Mat Size Calculator works
Window = artwork size − 2 × overlap, so the mat covers a small strip of the artwork edge. Board size = window + 2 × border, plus extra at the bottom for a weighted look. A bottom border slightly wider than the sides is a common framing choice because it looks balanced. Example: with Artwork width 8 in, Artwork height 10 in, and Overlap on artwork (each side) 0.25 in, the result is Window opening = 7.5 × 9.5 in; Mat board and frame size = 12.5 × 15 in; Bottom border width (in) = 3.
Inputs and results
The Picture Mat Size Calculator takes 5 inputs and gives 4 results.
What you enter
- Artwork width (in) — starts at 8.
- Artwork height (in) — starts at 10.
- Overlap on artwork (each side) (in) — starts at 0.25.
- Mat border (in) — starts at 2.5.
- Extra bottom border (in) — starts at 0.5.
What you get
- Window opening
- Mat board and frame size
- Bottom border width (in)
- Visible artwork area (sq in)
Example: Picture Mat Size Calculator with the starting values
With artwork width 8 in, artwork height 10 in, overlap on artwork (each side) 0.25 in, mat border 2.5 in and extra bottom border 0.5 in, the calculator returns:
| Window opening | 7.5 × 9.5 in |
|---|---|
| Mat board and frame size | 12.5 × 15 in |
| Bottom border width (in) | 3 |
| Visible artwork area (sq in) | 71.25 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Picture Mat Size Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Picture Mat Size Calculator?
Enter artwork width, artwork height, overlap on artwork (each side) and mat border in the fields, then read window opening, mat board and frame size, bottom border width (in) and visible artwork area (sq in) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Picture Mat Size Calculator calculate?
Mat window opening and board size for framing artwork. It returns window opening, mat board and frame size, bottom border width (in) and visible artwork area (sq in) from the 5 values you provide.
What values does the Picture Mat Size Calculator start with?
It opens with artwork width 8 in, artwork height 10 in, overlap on artwork (each side) 0.25 in and mat border 2.5 in so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Picture Mat Size Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Picture Mat Size Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.