For an 11×17 print in a matted frame, the mat opening is cut about 1/4 inch smaller than the artwork, and the outer frame is usually a larger standard size such as 16×20 or 18×24.
A mat that swallows a half-inch of your print is doing its job. It looks like a mistake when your 11×17 won’t drop into a mat cut to exactly 11×17. The frame size on the box describes what goes inside it, not the outside edge. Here’s how to measure an 11×17 matted frame.
What Does The Frame Size Actually Measure?
A frame’s listed size normally refers to the inside opening — the rabbet — not the outer moulding dimension. That inner lip holds the mat, glazing, and backing, so a frame sold as 16×20 measures roughly 16×20 inside, with the visible outer edge larger once moulding width is added.
Two frames labeled 16×20 from different makers can have different outer dimensions because their mouldings differ in width. Check whether the seller quotes inside dimensions, outer dimensions, or a nominal size — a nominal number is often a rough label.
The same applies to the mat. A mat’s opening is smaller than the frame size. One 11×17 mat product lists a 10.5×16.5 opening — the difference is the overlap hiding the edges.
How Do You Calculate The Mat Opening And Border?
The mat opening should be slightly smaller than the artwork so the mat overlaps the print edge. The standard overlap is about 1/8 inch per side, or 1/4 inch smaller than the print in each direction. So an 11×17 print gets an opening of about 10.75×16.75; a tighter opening gives the 10.5×16.5 figure above — both are normal. Never cut the opening exactly to 11×17, since a flush opening leaves nothing to grip.
To find the outer mat and frame size, add your border width on all four sides to the opening. A 2–3 inch border points to a 16×20 frame; a 3.5–4 inch border, as one framing guide uses, points toward 18×24.
If you’re comparing pre-cut options, our roundup of the best 11×17 matted frames breaks down actual mat openings and outer dimensions.
Work through the numbers in order:
- Measure the artwork’s true height and width in inches.
- Choose how much edge to cover — about 1/8 inch per side is standard.
- Subtract that overlap to get the mat opening.
- Add the border width on all four sides for the mat’s outer size.
- Confirm the frame’s rabbet opening fits the mat, glazing, and backing.
Logan Graphic Products, whose framing guide walks through these measurements, is a useful reference for overlap guidance and the inside-versus-outside distinction.
What Fits An 11×17 Print With A Mat?
For a matted 11×17, a 16×20 or 18×24 frame is usual; 11×17 only works without a mat.
| Frame Size | Typical Mat Opening | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 11×17 | None — print only | Framing without a mat |
| 14×20 | About 10.5×16.5 | A narrow mat border |
| 16×20 | About 10.5×16.5 | 2–3 inch borders, most prints |
| 18×24 | About 10.5×16.5 | Wide 3.5–4 inch borders |
Those openings are illustrative. Compatibility depends on the maker’s sizing convention and the print’s trimmed size, so verify the exact opening before buying.
Two details trip people up. Glass and acrylic are cut slightly smaller than the rabbet to drop in with clearance — don’t size them to the nominal number. And a frame’s moulding depth must clear the mat plus backing and glazing, or the contents won’t seat.
The most common error is buying an 11×17 frame for a matted 11×17 print; it won’t fit because the mat adds size on every side. Ask the seller for the inside rabbet dimension and mat opening in writing.
FAQs
Is a 16×20 frame right for an 11×17 print?
A 16×20 frame is the most common fit for a matted 11×17, producing borders around 2–3 inches once the mat opening is cut slightly under the print. A 14×20 or 18×24 works too — match the frame to your desired border width.
Why is the mat opening smaller than my print?
The mat overlaps the print’s edges to hold it and hide rough trim — normally about 1/8 inch per side, so an 11×17 sits behind a roughly 10.75×16.75 opening. Cut it flush and the print can shift.
Does an 11×17 frame fit a matted 11×17 print?
No. An 11×17 frame’s inside opening leaves no room for a mat, glazing, and backing. A matted 11×17 needs a larger frame, typically 16×20 or 18×24; check the rabbet measurement, not the box label.
References & Sources
- Logan Graphic Products. “Measuring Mats” Supports mat overlap guidance and inside-versus-outside frame measurement.
- Artelo. “Mat Sizes for Artelo Frames” Supports the 10.5×16.5 mat opening for an 11×17 image.
- Patchogue Arts Council. “Matting and Framing Presentation” Supports standard frame and mat sizing examples for an 11×17 print.
