Standard UK

Frames to match these mount sizes are readily available high street outlets, photographic dealers, Ikea, and some big-box DIY warehouses. The big outlets may keep only the metric sizes, or a mix of both. The UK frame market has fairly well accepted 40x30cm and 50x40cm as a replacement/alternative to the traditional 16x12 and 20x16 inch sizes. The two sizes are fairly close - so measure carefully before ordering mounts!

Imperial Frame Sizes: 6x4 inches, 7x5 inches, 8x6 inches, 9x7 inches, 10x8 inches, 12x8 inches (12x8 is a common photographic print size) 12x10 inches, 14x10 inches, 14x11 inches, 16x12 inches, 20x16 inches, 20x24 inches, 30x20, 30x24 inches.

Metric Frame Sizes: 15x10cm, 25x20cm, 30x25cm, 40x30cm, 45x30cm, 50x40cm, 70x50cm - 70x50cm is a popular print and poster size - 30x30 and 40x40cm square frames are becoming available in many outlets.

These are the commonest sizes, other sizes are frequently made, and are available if you look hard enough.. For reference here are the "A" sizes, the international paper sizes. Highlighted = Sizes you should find frames available in if you look. A4 size is often referred to as a "certificate frame"

Some A Series Formats
A0	841 � 1189
A1	594 � 841
A2	420 � 594
A3	297 � 420
A4	210 � 297
Common frame sizes

These sizes are for guidance only, we cannot guarantee that any or all will be available at an outlet near you! Standard size picture frames are sometimes made with an allowance - eg one or two millimetres oversize to allow easy fit of the picture or mount, some are exact size. If you order our mounts, the bevel cut outside edge does allow you a slight ease of fit in case your frame is "tight".

Notes on buying ready made frames: Things to look for -

Do they come with fittings to hang them? Cord? Is the glazing picture glass, budget glass, or plastic (plastic, or styrene is safer).
Look at the backs- they will probably be MDF. You may need a "liner" (protective layer) between the back and the picture if the fittings to hang the frame from are pressed or riveted through the backing.
Clip-frames are often metric sizes, or A-format paper sizes, and can come with glass or styrene glazing.
Styrene glazing (not to be confused with ordinary clear plastic) is optically as good as glass, and many framers and manufacturers state that it offers better protection from ultraviolet light which can fade your pictures.
If you cant find the right frame, remember that you can order a mount to fit a larger frame, and providing the frame is the same ratio (height x width) as your picture, a mount will fill the space evenly to the edge, as well as space the artwork off the glass.
Frames can be custom made, with custom size mounts to fit your pictures and present them at their best.

Photos- Commonly available in 3.5 x 5 inch, most often in 6x4 inch and 7x5 inch, and enlargement sizes 8x6 and 10x8 inches. 12x8 is a traditional format for printing. These are the sizes we see most often in our framing workshop.

Photo print sizes are derived from 35mm film format so the ratio (width to height) is 3:2 or from Large-Format film, hence 4 x 6 inch , 8 x 12 inch , 12 x 18 inch, 16 x 24 inch and 20 x 30 inch sizes

Digital photos may often be "cropped" to fit onto a standard paper size, as they are often a slightly different ratio (frequently higher).
It is important to protect photos from acid in the atmosphere and in the framing materials. we recommend acid-free mounts, particularly if the photos cannot easily be replaced.
Note that you will want 5mm or so overlap of the mount over the edges of the picture, to prevent it "falling through" the window, and help it stay flat. If ordering mounts you will be asked if you want them "to fit" a certain picture size, or "exact" window sizes. We always supply "to fit" unless you specify otherwise.