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How to Measure Your Artwork for the Perfect Frame

Getting the right measurements is the first step to creating a frame that fits perfectly. Our simple measuring guide is here to help you get it right — whether you’re framing artwork on its own, with a single or double mount, or with a signature or border you’d like to include.

Follow the step-by-step guidance below to learn how to measure your piece accurately. Taking a few careful measurements now will ensure your bespoke frame is made to the exact size you need, giving your artwork the perfect fit and finish it deserves.

To get started, you’ll need a few basics:

A notebook to jot down your sizes

A pen or pencil

Tape measure

Measuring Your Artwork

Place Your Artwork on a Flat Surface

Before you begin, make sure your artwork is lying flat on a clean, even surface. This helps you get the most accurate measurements and prevents any creases or bends that could affect the size.

Measure the Width and Height

Using a tape measure, record the width first, then the height of your artwork. Write each measurement down carefully so you don’t lose track. For the best accuracy, we recommend measuring in millimetres (mm).

Decide What You’d Like to Show

If your artwork has a border or signature you’d like visible, include it in your measurements. Otherwise, measure only the area you want displayed inside the frame.

Allow for Frame Overlap

Every frame has a small inner lip, known as a rebate, which holds your artwork in place. This overlaps your piece by about 5mm on each side, so keep this in mind when deciding what area you’d like visible.

Artwork with a Title or Signature

If your artwork has a title or signature that you’d like visible in the finished frame, make sure to include that area in your measurement.

Tip: We recommend keeping a border all the way around your print, not just along the bottom. In the example shown, there’s a narrow 15mm border on the top and sides, and a slightly wider border at the bottom — a layout that creates a more balanced and visually appealing finish.

Measuring for a Mount

If you’d like to enhance your artwork with a mount, start by measuring the area you want to be visible within the frame.

The mount will slightly overlap your artwork by around 3mm on each side to hold it securely in place.

A 50mm mount is the most popular choice, but you can choose a smaller or larger size depending on the look you’d like to achieve.

If you’re opting for a double mount, we recommend leaving a 5mm reveal of the bottom mount for a clean, layered effect — though you can adjust this anywhere between 3mm and 10mm to suit your preference.

Single Mount

Double Mount

Understanding the Layers of Your Frame

This diagram shows how each part of your frame fits together — from the glass that protects your artwork to the mount, artwork, and backing board held securely within the frame.

The mount overlaps your artwork by about 3mm, and the frame itself overlaps by around 5mm to keep everything neatly in place.

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