How to Frame a Picture/Calculate the sizes

Keep a workbook of notes and measurements, so that you can track back specifics Extra space at bottom of frame, unless frame re-use needed. Always measure off the frame Diagram showing coloured areas for art (red), matting (green), and frame (blue). Matt width - 5cm. The calculations are in centimeters. Width Height Artwork <ArtWidth> <ArtHeight> Inner edge (red) <ArtWidth> - 1 <ArtHeight> - 1 Need overlap to keep picture in place Matt size (green) <ArtWidth>-1 + (2*<MattWidth>) <ArtHeight>-1 + (2*<MattHeight>) +1 extra matt at bottom to stop optical illusion of frame leaning forward Frame size (blue) <ArtWidth>-1+(2*<MattWidth>) +(2*<FrameWidth>) <ArtHeight>-1+(2*<MattHeight>)+1 +(2*<FrameHeight>) Which means that ... you need this much frame prior to cutting: left + right + top + bottom 2*(<ArtWidth>-1+(2*<MattWidth>)+(2*<FrameWidth>))+ 2 * (<ArtHeight>-1+(2*<MattHeight>)+1+(2*<FrameHeight>)) = (2*<ArtWidth>)-2+(4*<MattWidth>)+(4*<FrameWidth>)+ (2*<ArtHeight>)+(4*<MattHeight>)+(4*<FrameHeight>) Measuring for Mounts Someone should merge this section into the above. Calculating the Mount Size (to be cut from a sheet of mount board). Decide how much of the picture you want to show (add to, or take away from the art size) = WINDOW SIZE. Decide how much mount you want around the window (margins). Top and both sides are the same. For bottom margin allow extra 20% to compensate for the optical illusion which makes the bottom border seem narrower than it actually is. Standard margin sizes: Top and sides 50mm, bottom 65mm. Top and sides 65mm, bottom 75mm. Top and sides 75mm, bottom 90mm. Allow for width of frame rebate by adding that amount to each margin width = MARGIN WIDTH. Therefore MOUNT HEIGHT = rebate allowance + top margin + window height + bottom margin + rebate allowance. Therefore MOUNT WIDTH = rebate allowance + right margin + window width + left margin + rebate allowance. Therefore MOUNT SIZE = MOUNT HEIGHT * MOUNT WIDTH