Frame size guide
A4 frame
A A4 frame has an opening of 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 inches). The everyday small frame. Widely available and a natural home for A5 and A4 drawings.
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) | 150 × 237 | 5.91 × 9.33 | 162 × 249 |
| 40 mm (1.57 in) | 130 × 217 | 5.12 × 8.54 | 142 × 229 |
| 50 mm (1.97 in) | 110 × 197 | 4.33 × 7.76 | 122 × 209 |
| 60 mm (2.36 in) | 90 × 177 | 3.54 × 6.97 | 102 × 189 |
| 70 mm (2.76 in) | 70 × 157 | 2.76 × 6.18 | 82 × 169 |
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
A4 paper (see the A4 guide) matches this frame unmounted. For a mounted drawing, use a smaller sheet as below.
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 A4 frame?+
A A4 frame has an opening of 210 × 297 mm (8.27 × 11.69 inches). The visible image inside a mount will be smaller, depending on the border.
What size drawing fits a A4 frame with a mount?+
With a 50 mm border all round, the aperture is 110 × 197 mm, so the drawing sheet needs to be at least 122 × 209 mm to sit behind a mount overlapping by 6 mm.
Can I put an A4 drawing in a A4 frame?+
Yes, unmounted: A4 paper is the same nominal size as a A4 frame. For a mounted drawing, choose a smaller sheet or a larger frame.