How to Choose the Right 13×17 Picture Frame?

A 13×17 picture frame fits prints that measure exactly 13×17 inches, or smaller art when paired with a custom-cut mat.

The first step to choosing the right frame is measuring your artwork precisely, not guessing by its label. Most picture frames list their size by the actual opening that holds the art, measured from the back of the frame (called the rabbet). If your print doesn’t match that opening, a mat solves the problem. Here’s what to check before buying.

Frame Size vs. Art Size: The Critical Difference

Frame makers measure the viewing area from the frame’s back side, not the front face. A frame sold as 13×17 means the opening where the art sits—the rabbet—is about 13 inches by 17 inches. The outside dimensions will be larger due to the molding width.

Always confirm whether the seller lists the nominal size or the actual opening. Some budget frames list the outer measurement, which means your 13×17 print won’t fit. When the art itself is truly 13 inches by 17 inches, a frame with no mat works fine—so long as the rabbet depth is deep enough for the combined thickness of your art, any glazing, and the backing board.

If you’re shopping for a frame with a print already in hand, measure the print edge to edge first. Then check the frame’s listed “rabbet size” or “opening size” on the product page before adding it to your cart. For a tested roundup of frames that fit standard 13×17 prints, see our guide to the best 13×17 picture frames.

When You Need a Mat for a Smaller Print

If your print is smaller than 13×17—say an 8×10 or an 11×14—a mat is the standard way to display it in a larger frame without letting the art float loose.

The mat’s job is two-fold: it creates a visual border that draws the eye to the art, and it holds the print securely in place. Standard U.S. frame sizes commonly include 8×10, 9×12, 10×13, 11×14, 12×16, and 16×20. The 13×17 size is less common but serves as an excellent host frame for several standard prints when matted up.

Common mat-to-frame pairings for a 13×17 opening include:

• An 8×10 print matted to fit a 13×17 frame
• A 9×12 print matted to fit a 13×17 frame
• A 10×13 print matted to fit a 13×17 frame
• An 11×14 print matted to fit a 13×17 frame

For each pairing, the mat opening must be cut slightly smaller than the print itself so the edges are held in place. This is called overlap or undercut.

Mat Opening Size and Border Width: Getting the Math Right

The most common framing mistake is cutting the mat opening exactly to the artwork’s size. Without a slight overlap, the print’s edges can shift and show gaps—or worse, the art can slip through the opening entirely.

Framing guides recommend the mat opening overlap the artwork by at least 1/8 inch on all four sides. To calculate the correct mat window for an 8×10 print, subtract 1/4 inch from both dimensions (1/8 inch per side), giving you an opening of about 7 3/4 by 9 3/4 inches. This keeps the print edges tucked safely beneath the mat.

The border width—the visible mat surface around the opening—controls the overall look. Typical mat borders run about 1.5 to 3 inches, with larger artworks calling for wider borders to keep the piece from looking cramped. A good rule: the bigger the print, the more breathing room it needs. A narrow border on a large piece makes the art feel squeezed into its frame.

For a centered mat in a 13×17 frame, the layout works like this:

Keep in mind this table assumes the print is perfectly centered with equal borders. Some displays intentionally use a wider bottom border for visual balance, which shifts the math slightly.

Materials, Rabbet Depth, and Other Choices

For photographs or artwork you want to keep for years, use acid-free or archival mat board. Standard cardboard mats contain acids that can leach into the print and cause yellowing or “mat burn” over time. Archival boards are slightly more expensive but offer essential protection for anything irreplaceable.

Beyond the mat, verify the frame’s rabbet depth can handle your full stack-up: glazing (glass or acrylic) plus mat plus artwork plus backing board. A cheap frame with a shallow rabbet might not close properly once everything is inside. If you’re framing a heavier piece or hanging it above a sofa, make sure the hanging hardware is rated for the total weight.

For valuable or irreplaceable art, UV-protective glazing is a worthwhile upgrade since direct sunlight fades pigments over time. And if you’re framing something smaller than 13×17 and want a larger presentation, the mat does more than just protect—it gives the piece visual weight on the wall.