Print Sizes and Frame Sizes: A Matching Cheat Sheet

Quick answer

For a standard print, choose a frame that matches its size exactly: A6 prints fit 10.5 x 14.8 cm frames, A5 prints fit 14.8 x 21 cm frames, and A4 prints fit 21 x 29.7 cm frames. If you want a mat, buy a frame one size up and have the mat cut to your print's dimensions. The main trade-off is cost and wall impact: smaller prints need smaller frames (cheaper, easier to group) while larger prints need larger frames (pricier, but more of a focal point).

You've picked a print you love, but now you're staring at a wall of frame options wondering which one actually fits. Print sizes and frame sizes don't always line up neatly, especially if you're mixing standard paper sizes with off-the-shelf frames. This cheat sheet compares the most common print sizes—A6, A5, and A4—and the frames that fit them, so you can buy with confidence and avoid returns.

We'll look at exact dimensions, when to size up for a mat, and the trade-offs between small and large formats. Along the way, we'll use real examples from our catalog, like the A6 Aquarius Zodiac and A4 Creative Juice, to show how the numbers play out in practice.

A6 prints: small format, big flexibility

A6 prints measure 10.5 x 14.8 cm (about 4.1 x 5.8 inches). They fit standard A6 frames exactly, or you can pop them into a 5 x 7 inch frame with a slight border. Because they're small, A6 prints are ideal for gallery walls, shelves, or desks where you want to group several pieces without dominating the space. The trade-off is impact: an A6 won't anchor a large wall on its own, but it's perfect for a cluster.

If you want a mat, choose a frame one size up—A5—and have the mat cut with an A6 opening. This gives the print breathing room and makes it look more substantial. Just note that custom mats add cost, so if you're framing several A6 prints, ready-made A6 frames without mats are the budget-friendly route.

• Exact frame size: 10.5 x 14.8 cm (A6).
• Common inch equivalent: 4 x 6 inches (fits with a small border).
• Best for: grouped displays, small spaces, gift-giving.

A5 prints: the middle ground

A5 prints are 14.8 x 21 cm (5.8 x 8.3 inches). They're large enough to hold a wall on their own but still easy to group. Standard A5 frames are widely available, and you can also use a 5 x 7 inch frame if you don't mind a bit of cropping or a custom mat. For a matted look, size up to an A4 frame and cut the mat to an A5 opening.

The trade-off with A5 is versatility versus presence: it's a safe choice for almost any room, but it won't make the same statement as an A4 or larger. If you're framing a single piece for a focal point, A5 might feel a little modest; if you're building a collection, A5 is a sweet spot for mixing and matching.

• Exact frame size: 14.8 x 21 cm (A5).
• Common inch equivalent: 5.8 x 8.3 inches (often sold as 6 x 8 inches).
• Best for: single-wall displays, shelves, and pairs.

A4 prints: the standard statement size

A4 prints measure 21 x 29.7 cm (8.3 x 11.7 inches). They're the most common size for art prints and fit standard A4 frames perfectly. If you want a mat, go up to an A3 frame (29.7 x 42 cm) and have the mat cut to an A4 opening. A4 is big enough to be a focal point but still easy to find affordable frames.

The trade-off here is cost and space: A4 frames cost more than A5 or A6, and a matted A4 in an A3 frame takes up significantly more wall space. But if you want a print to feel like a proper piece of art, A4 is the minimum size that delivers that effect without custom framing.

• Exact frame size: 21 x 29.7 cm (A4).
• Common inch equivalent: 8.3 x 11.7 inches (often sold as 8 x 12 inches).
• Best for: focal points, offices, living rooms.

What about other sizes?

If your print is A3 or larger, you'll need to size up accordingly: A3 prints fit 29.7 x 42 cm frames, and A2 prints fit 42 x 59.4 cm frames. These larger sizes often require custom framing or specialty frames, which increases cost. For very small prints (like A7 or business-card size), you can use ready-made frames with mats or even float them in a larger frame for a modern look.

The key is to always match the frame's inner dimensions to your print's outer dimensions, or size up and use a mat. If you're unsure, measure your print first—don't rely on the label alone, as trimming can vary slightly.

• A3 frame: 29.7 x 42 cm.
• A2 frame: 42 x 59.4 cm.
• For odd sizes, custom mats are your friend.

Trade-offs: small vs. large formats

• A6 prints (e.g., A6 Aquarius Zodiac): Small, affordable to frame, easy to group. But they lack solo impact and can get lost on a large wall. Choose A6 if you want a collection or have limited wall space.
• A5 prints (e.g., A5 Creative Juice): Balanced size, widely available frames, works alone or in groups. But it may feel modest as a single focal point. Choose A5 if you want flexibility and moderate presence.
• A4 prints (e.g., A4 Creative Juice): Strong focal point, standard frames available. But frames cost more and matting requires an A3 frame. Choose A4 if you want a statement piece and have the wall space.

Catalog examples: sizes in practice

• A6 Aquarius Zodiac: Risograph printed in Neon Pink, Orange and Green, on FSC Paper. A6 size. A6 prints like this fit standard A6 frames (10.5 x 14.8 cm) or 4 x 6 inch frames with a small border. They're ideal for grouping, so you can mix several zodiac prints without spending a lot on frames.
• A4 Creative Juice: Risograph printed in soy based inks; Neon Pink, Orange and green. Onto paper made from recycled coffee cups. A4 - 21 X 29.7cm. A4 prints fit standard A4 frames (21 x 29.7 cm). If you want a mat, size up to an A3 frame. This size works well as a standalone focal point, but frames cost more than smaller sizes.
• A5 Creative Juice: Risograph printed in soy based inks; Neon Pink, Orange and green. Onto paper made from recycled coffee cups. A5 - 14.8 × 21cm. A5 prints fit standard A5 frames (14.8 x 21 cm) or 5 x 7 inch frames with a custom mat. They're a versatile middle ground for gallery walls or single shelves.

Which size should you frame?

Best for

• Collectors who want to group multiple prints on a gallery wall (A6 or A5)
• Anyone framing a single statement piece for a living room or office (A4 or larger)
• Gift-givers who need a ready-made frame without custom matting (A6 or A5)

Not for

• Large empty walls that need a single bold artwork (choose A2 or larger)
• Tiny spaces where even an A6 frame feels crowded (consider unframed display or a smaller format)
• Budget-conscious buyers who want a matted look without custom costs (skip mats or use ready-made frames with pre-cut mats)

Matching print sizes to frame sizes doesn't have to be a puzzle. Use the cheat sheet above: match the frame to the print's exact dimensions, size up if you want a mat, and weigh the trade-offs between small and large formats. When in doubt, measure your print and check the frame's inner dimensions—your art will thank you.