A 16×24 print fits a 16×24 frame for edge-to-edge display, or a 24×32 frame when you want a mat border around it.
Choosing the wrong frame for a 16×24 print is one of the most common framing mistakes, and it usually comes down to two mix-ups: grabbing a 16×20 frame by accident, or assuming the listed size means the outer edge of the frame rather than the opening. Neither ends well. Frame listings refer to the inside opening where the print sits, and outside dimensions vary by manufacturer. Here’s what to buy depending on the look you want.
Frame Sizes For A 16×24 Print: What Fits Without Cropping
The 16×24 print itself dictates your options. It’s a 2:3 aspect ratio, which is a standard photo proportion. When you buy a frame for it, you’re choosing between two presentation styles.
- Edge-to-edge: The print fills the entire opening with no border. For this, buy a frame whose opening is exactly 16×24 inches. The print sits flush against the frame edge, and none of the image is hidden.
- With a mat: A mat board adds a border between the print and the frame. Because the mat sits inside the frame, you need a larger frame. A 24×32 frame is the commonly used next size up, with a mat opening cut to hold the 16×24 print securely.
Buying a 16×24 frame with a mat already included often means the mat opening is smaller than the full print, which forces cropping. For a true matted display of the whole 16×24 image, the 24×32 route with a custom-cut mat opening is the standard approach.
The 16×20 Mistake: Why Those Frames Don’t Work
A 16×20 frame is not interchangeable with a 16×24 print, and the difference is more than four inches of length. The aspect ratios differ entirely. A 16×20 opening is a 4:5 ratio, while the 16×24 print is 2:3. Fitting a 2:3 print into a 4:5 frame means cropping the sides or leaving a visible gap that a standard mat can’t hide.
If you already own a 16×20 frame and want to use a 16×24 print, your options are to crop the image to match the frame or visit a custom framer to build a mat and frame combination that bridges the dimensions. Neither is a one-click solution, so checking the frame opening before you buy saves the hassle.
How To Confirm The Frame Size Before You Order
Because outside dimensions vary by frame profile, the only reliable number is the inside opening. A frame listed as 16×24 means the space where the print sits measures 16 by 24 inches. The outer edge will be larger, sometimes by an inch or more per side depending on the molding style. Reviewing tested 16×24 picture frame options helps you compare actual measurements before committing to a purchase.
Common Frame Size Questions
Does A 16×24 Frame Fit A 16×20 Print?
No. A 16×20 print placed in a 16×24 frame leaves a four-inch gap along one edge that no standard mat can cover symmetrically. The print would need to be cropped or matted with custom-cut spacers to fill the opening properly, which usually costs more than buying the correct frame size in the first place.
What Does 16×24 Mean On A Frame Listing?
The listing refers to the inside opening where the print sits, not the outer dimensions of the frame itself. A 16×24 frame holds a print that measures 16 by 24 inches. The actual outside size of the frame is larger and varies by manufacturer depending on the width of the molding profile used.
For a durable frame you can trust to hold your print securely, see our picks for the best 16×24 picture frames.
References & Sources
- Austin Gallery. “Standard Picture Frame Sizes.” Explains standard print dimensions and matching frame sizes.
- Custom Picture Frames. “16×24 Canvas Frames.” Details the 16×24 opening size and available options.
- Custom Picture Frames. “Frame Size Chart.” Shows how frame openings relate to print dimensions.
