Yes, 16×24 is a standard frame size, widely used for posters, art prints, and wide-format photos.
If you’ve searched for a frame for a 16×24 print, you’ve likely found plenty of options. While it’s not as universally common as 16×20 or 24×36 in general size charts, it’s a recognized and readily available size in frame catalogs, especially for images with a 2:3 aspect ratio. This guide breaks down where 16×24 sits among standard sizes and what to check before you buy.
16×24 in the World of Standard Frame Sizes
The term “standard” can be misleading. The most universal US frame sizes are the ones you see in every store: 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, 11×14, 16×20, and 24×36. These cover the most common photo prints.
16×24 sits just outside that core group. However, it is a common size in its own right, primarily because it’s a standard size for posters and large art prints. If you’re working with a 16×24 poster, you won’t struggle to find a frame for it. The selection might not be as vast as the truly universal sizes, but it’s far from a custom or specialty order. It’s best described as a “common” or “standard” size for specific media, rather than an all-purpose standard.
The 2:3 Ratio and Metric Equivalent
The 16×24 measurement gives you a 2:3 aspect ratio, which is a favored format for photographers and artists because it’s a pleasing, balanced shape. If you’re working in metric, a 16×24 inch frame is roughly 40.6 x 60.9 centimeters.
For context, this size is a step up from the very common 16×20. This extra length is what makes it ideal for panoramic-style shots or prints that have a wider composition. If you have a print to frame, the 16×24 frame without a mat will fit your art perfectly with a border. Adding a mat, however, changes things. With a mat, the opening for the picture will be smaller, so you’d need to step up to a larger frame size, like 18×24, to fit a 16×24 print with a mat border.
Confirming the “Image Size” vs. “Frame Size”
When you start shopping, you’ll notice that sellers use terms like “frame size,” “image size,” or “mat opening.” This is the most important detail to check. A listing for a “16×24 frame” could mean the outer dimensions of the frame are 16×24, or it could mean the opening that holds your picture is 16×24.
For a hassle-free fit, you need to match your print size to the “image size” or the frame’s “mat opening.” A frame’s outer measurement will be larger than the photo it holds. Before you finalize any purchase, the most reliable step is to check the product listing to see whether the stated size is the print opening or the outer frame dimensions. This single check prevents the most common framing mistake.
Once you’ve confirmed the dimensions, the next question is style. A gold frame adds a classic, elevated look to a large print. For a tested roundup of quality options, you can see our curated list of top-rated 16×24 gold frames.
FAQs
Does a mat fit inside a 16×24 frame?
A mat can fit if it has an 11×14 or smaller opening, but an uncut 16×24 mat will not. To frame a 16×24 print with a standard mat border, you would need a larger frame, such as 18×24 or 20×28, and a custom-cut mat with a 16×24 opening.
What size frame do I need for a 16×24 print with a mat?
You’ll need to move up to a larger outer frame. An 18×24 frame is the most common choice, as it provides a roughly 1-inch mat border around your 16×24 print. For a thicker mat border, an 20×28 or 24×30 frame would also work.
What does a 16×24 frame look like next to a 16×20?
The 16×24 frame is exactly 4 inches longer in one direction, making it a distinctly more rectangular and wider format. It suits panoramic photos and wide posters, while the 16×20 is a more balanced, slightly squarer shape that is better for standard prints and portraits.
References & Sources
- Frame Size IO. “The Ultimate Guide to Standard Frame Sizes.” Confirms 16×24 as a common size for posters and photos.
- MeFOTO. “The Gift of Framing: A Guide to Standard Picture Frame Sizes.” Provides a standard US frame-size reference chart.
- Shotkit. “The Ultimate Guide to Picture Frame Sizes.” Details common frame dimensions and the importance of measuring the mat opening.
