How to Mat a Picture for an 11×17 Frame? | Sizing Guide

To mat an 11×17 picture, use a larger frame—typically 18×24—with a mat opening cut slightly smaller than the artwork.

The key to matting an 11×17 print lies in a simple realization: your frame and your artwork don’t share dimensions. An 11×17 frame leaves zero room for a border, so the standard approach pairs the print with a bigger frame, usually 18×24, and lets the mat carry the visual weight. This guide covers choosing the frame size, cutting the mat opening, and assembling the finished piece.

Why an 11×17 Frame Won’t Work With a Mat

If the frame itself measures 11×17, there’s no allowance for matting. The printed image needs the mat’s window to sit in front of it, which demands space beyond the print’s edges. An 18×24 frame is the most common partner for an 11×17 print, giving you that necessary border.

For most displays, a border between 2 and 4 inches looks balanced.

Choosing the Right Frame and Mat Size

The border width you want determines your frame size. Whether you choose a ready-made frame or a custom one, the math stays the same.

Here’s the practical rule before you buy: measuring the artwork’s exact height and width comes first. Frame listings can be misleading, since “11×17” might refer to the artwork size, the mat opening, or the outer frame dimensions depending on the seller. Always confirm the frame’s actual inner measurements rather than trusting the label.

Some products described as “11×17 matted” aren’t what they seem—they’re designed to display smaller prints like 8.5×11 or 9.5×13 in an 11×17 frame opening. Check the exact window size before purchase, and measure your own print against it. If you’re shopping for a frame that will hold a matted 11×17, look for an outer dimension closer to 18×24 or consider what you might find in a solid roundup of recommended 11×17 wood frames—though note that these typically suit unmatted prints.

Cutting and Positioning the Mat

With your frame chosen, the mat board needs a window cut to hold the print securely.

Cut or buy a mat board sized to fit the frame’s interior. A precise cut right at the art’s edge looks clean but leaves the print nothing to grip. If a mat with a smaller opening is the goal, note that a matted frame can also display smaller prints; the window should match the art you actually plan to show.

To center the artwork:

• Subtract the artwork’s dimensions from the frame’s inner dimensions.
• Divide the difference by 2 for each side to find the equal border.

When the mat opening is smaller than the print, center the art behind the window and secure it to a backing board with archival tape hinges along the top edge. This keeps the print flat and correctly positioned while allowing natural expansion and contraction.

Assemble the layers in this order: glass, mat with the artwork attached, and the backing board. Secure the back with the frame’s hardware. For ready-made frames, you may need to add spacer points so the print doesn’t rest against the glass.

Common Matting Mistakes to Avoid

A few errors account for most frustrating framing sessions:

• Assuming the frame size matches the art size. An 11×17 frame with an 11×17 mat leaves no border—you need the larger frame for a matted look.
• Cutting the opening exactly to the art size. The print can slip through or buckle.
• Trusting product labels without measuring. Verify the actual frame and opening dimensions rather than relying on the listed name.

Framing references like the Southern AZ Watercolor Guild’s standard frame size guide and the Patchogue Arts Council’s matting presentation both emphasize measuring before cutting. Check the frame’s real inner dimensions against your mat board, and you’ll avoid the disappointment of a finished piece that doesn’t fit.

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