Mat Cutting Tables
 
 

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Mat Measurement Tables




Reference Charts of Mat Cutting Measurements


 By Liz Masoner, About.com Guide to Photography
Published January 3, 2012 ©
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Cutting Photo Mats

Triple matted frame photo example by Liz Masoner© Adding a mat to a framed photograph is a great way to make your photo shine. A good choice of mat size and color can add a lot of depth to your photograph when it is framed. Having mats custom cut by a framing shop can add considerable cost to your framing efforts though. Partially because of this, there are many mat cutters on the market for photographers who want to make their own photo mats. While they all look different and have slightly different set up processes, the basic principle is the same. Every mat cutter holds the mat and helps you make a straight cut. Often the hardest part of cutting a mat is figuring out where to make your cuts.

Below are several quick reference tables of common frame sizes, common photo sizes, and the measurements needed for matting those combinations.Bookmark this page for quick reference whenever you need to cut a mat quickly.

The measurements below all assume an 1/8" overlap of the photograph on all sides and that you are matching orientations of mat and photo. Also, remember to cut the outside of your mat 1/8" smaller than the frame size to allow for normal expansion and contraction of the mat over time.

Mat Measurement Reference Charts

Measurements for a 5x7 Frame
Print SizeLong Side BordersShort Side Borders
4x65/8"5/8"


Measurements for an 8x10 Frame
Print SizeLong Side BordersShort Side Borders
4x62 1/8"2 1/8"
5x71 5/8"1 5/8"


Measurements for an 11x14 Frame
Print SizeLong Side BordersShort Side Borders
4x64 1/8"3 5/8"
5x73 5/8"3 1/8"
8x102 1/8"1 5/8"
8x121 1/8"1 5/8"


Measurements for a 14x18 Frame
Print SizeLong Side BordersShort Side Borders
4x66 1/8"5 1/8"
5x75 5/8"4 5/8"
8x104 1/8"3 1/8"
8x123 1/8"3 1/8"
11x142 1/8"1 5/8"


Measurements for a 16x20 Frame
Print SizeLong Side BordersShort Side Borders
4x67 1/8"6 1/8"
5x76 5/8"5 5/8"
8x105 1/8"4 1/8"
8x124 1/8"4 1/8"
11x143 1/8"2 5/8"


For double mats, the border shrinks for the top mat so subtract from the original mat borders. 1/4 inch on all sides is standard but 1/2 inch can also be used depending on the frame/photo sizes and the mat colors. 
 


 




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