A 16×20 picture fits a 16×20 frame without a mat, or a 20×24 frame if you want a mat border.
Choosing a frame for a 16×20 print comes down to one decision: whether you want a mat around the image. Without a mat, the matching 16×20 frame is the direct pick. With a mat, you step up to a 20×24 frame so the border has room. Your choice shapes the look, the wall space needed, and the frame cost.
Matching Frame Sizes for a 16×20 Print
The print itself measures 16 inches by 20 inches, which is about 40.6 x 50.8 cm. When you buy a frame labeled 16×20, that number refers to the size of the artwork it holds, not the frame’s outside dimensions.
The visible image area is slightly smaller than 16×20 because the frame’s lip overlaps the print edge. Frame USA’s sizing guide notes a visible area of roughly 15.5 x 19.5 inches on a standard 16×20 frame. For a matted look, the common pairing is an 11×14 print inside a 16×20 frame, with a mat opening near 10.5 x 13.5 inches.
The 20×24 Mat Option and Why It Works
A 20×24 frame is the standard choice for matting a 16×20 picture. The extra four inches on each side creates an even mat border around the print, giving the artwork breathing room on the wall.
Here’s the trade to weigh:
- No mat (16×20 frame): Full-frame look where the print covers most of the frame opening. Cheaper frame cost, less wall space, and the image feels larger.
- With mat (20×24 frame): Gallery-style presentation with a clean white or colored border. Adds visual depth and protects the print from touching the glass, but costs more and needs a bigger wall area.
The frame’s outside dimensions will also run larger than the labeled size. A standard 16×20 frame profile comes out to about 18.5 x 22.5 inches outer edge, depending on the molding width. Always measure your wall space before ordering if the exact footprint matters.
Aspect Ratios and Mat Openings Explained
The 16×20 print has a 4:5 aspect ratio. If you mat it, the mat opening must match that ratio or the print won’t fit properly. That’s why the standard matted pairing uses an 11×14 print in a 16×20 frame — both share the same proportions.
Framing Destination’s guide confirms the 16×20 to 20×24 matted pairing and lists the metric equivalent as 40 x 50 cm for close metric sizing. When buying a mat separately, check the opening dimensions rather than assuming a mat labeled for 16×20 frames will fit every print.
| Your Print | Frame Without Mat | Frame With Mat |
|---|---|---|
| 16 x 20 in | 16 x 20 in | 20 x 24 in |
| Typical mat opening | — | ~10.5 x 13.5 in |
| Visible area | ~15.5 x 19.5 in | Full print visible |
One common mistake: assuming a 16×20 frame shows the full image edge to edge. The rabbet overlap slightly crops the outer edge, so if the print has critical detail near the border, go with the matted 20×24 option or a frame with a wider lip. Frame USA’s picture frame size chart breaks down these visible areas and outer dimensions for standard profiles.
Choosing Between 16×20 and 20×24
Choose a 16×20 frame when you want the print to dominate the frame and keep the wall footprint small. Choose a 20×24 frame when you want a mat, a gallery look, or extra protection between the artwork and glass.
If you’re ready to buy, our tested roundup of the best 20 x 16 frames covers top picks across styles and budgets. For a matted display, look for a 20×24 frame with a mat insert sized for 16×20 prints — many frame brands sell these as pre-cut kits.
Measure twice, order once: check the print’s exact edge details, confirm the mat opening, and verify the frame’s outer dimensions against your wall space.
FAQs
What is the actual outer size of a 16×20 frame?
A standard 16×20 frame has an outer dimension of roughly 18.5 x 22.5 inches, though this varies with the molding profile. The labeled 16×20 size refers to the artwork it holds, not the frame’s outside edge. Thicker moldings add more to the outer dimensions.
Can I put an 11×14 print in a 16×20 frame?
Yes, with a mat. An 11×14 print fits a 16×20 frame when paired with a mat that has an opening around 10.5 x 13.5 inches. This is the most common matted setup for that frame size.
Does a 16×20 frame show the whole print?
Most standard 16×20 frames overlap the print edge by a small margin, showing roughly 15.5 x 19.5 inches of the image. If the print has important detail at the very edge, a matted 20×24 frame prevents any cropping.
References & Sources
- Frame USA. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Charts visible areas and outer dimensions for standard frame sizes.
- Framing Destination. “Guide to Frame and Mat Dimensions for Common Print Sizes.” Documents the 16×20 to 20×24 matted pairing and mat openings.
- Framing Destination. “Picture Frame Sizes Guide.” Lists metric equivalents and standard frame sizing conventions.
