Frame size guide
A3 frame
A A3 frame has an opening of 297 × 420 mm (11.69 × 16.54 inches). A popular size for finished drawings: a generous mounted image at a manageable frame size.
Mount aperture by border width
The wider the border, the smaller the visible image. All figures assume the mount overlaps the drawing sheet by 6 mm on every side.
| Border | Aperture (mm) | Aperture (in) | Sheet needed (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 mm (1.18 in) | 237 × 360 | 9.33 × 14.17 | 249 × 372 |
| 40 mm (1.57 in) | 217 × 340 | 8.54 × 13.39 | 229 × 352 |
| 50 mm (1.97 in) | 197 × 320 | 7.76 × 12.6 | 209 × 332 |
| 60 mm (2.36 in) | 177 × 300 | 6.97 × 11.81 | 189 × 312 |
| 70 mm (2.76 in) | 157 × 280 | 6.18 × 11.02 | 169 × 292 |
Many artists add a slightly deeper bottom border, around 10 to 20 percent more than the top and sides, so the picture sits comfortably. Use the frame and mount calculator to work it out with your own numbers.
Paper sizes that fit
A3 paper (see the A3 guide) matches this frame unmounted. For a mounted drawing, use a smaller sheet as below.
| Border | Standard paper sizes that work behind the mount |
|---|---|
| 30 mm | No standard size fits exactly - cut a custom sheet of 249 × 372 mm |
| 40 mm | 11 × 14 inch |
| 50 mm | US Legal, 11 × 14 inch |
| 60 mm | US Legal, 11 × 14 inch |
| 70 mm | A4, US Legal, 9 × 12 inch, 11 × 14 inch |
Framing tips
- Measure your actual frame before cutting a mount - sizes vary slightly between makers.
- Use acid-free mount board and a spacer so the drawing never touches the glass.
- Consider UV-filtering glazing for work on paper that will hang in daylight.
Full method: how to frame and mount a drawing. Choosing paper: archival paper for selling your drawings.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a A3 frame?+
A A3 frame has an opening of 297 × 420 mm (11.69 × 16.54 inches). The visible image inside a mount will be smaller, depending on the border.
What size drawing fits a A3 frame with a mount?+
With a 50 mm border all round, the aperture is 197 × 320 mm, so the drawing sheet needs to be at least 209 × 332 mm to sit behind a mount overlapping by 6 mm.
Can I put an A3 drawing in a A3 frame?+
Yes, unmounted: A3 paper is the same nominal size as a A3 frame. For a mounted drawing, choose a smaller sheet or a larger frame.