An 11×17 picture fits an 11×17 frame without a mat, or a 14×20 or 16×20 frame when you add a mat.
Picking the right size frame for an 11×17 picture comes down to one decision: whether you want a mat border. Skip the mat and the frame size matches the print exactly. Add a mat and the frame grows to accommodate both the artwork and the border around it. This guide covers the standard sizes, how matting changes the dimensions, and what to check before you order.
The Standard Answer: An 11×17 Frame Without a Mat
An 11×17 frame is designed to hold an 11×17 image with no mat. FrameDestination’s sizing guide lists this as the matching setup for an 11×17 print, and FrameUSA confirms 11×17 sits among standard picture frame sizes.
One thing to understand before buying: when a listing says “11×17 frame,” the manufacturer usually means the inside dimensions where the artwork sits, not the outer edge of the molding. A frame labeled 11×17 will hold an 11×17 print, but the physical frame itself will measure larger once you account for the frame’s width.
What Size Frame With a Mat?
Add a mat and the math changes. A mat creates a border between the print and the frame, so the frame must be larger than the artwork to hold both. Framing sources give slightly different recommendations depending on mat width and personal preference:
- 14×20 frame — FrameDestination’s framing guide pairs an 11×17 print with a 14×20 frame when using a mat.
- 16×20 frame — A common alternative that allows for a wider mat border, giving the piece more breathing room.
- 15×21 frame — This works when you want a 2-inch mount border on all sides, per one framing calculator’s math.
The key detail: a mat opening is smaller than the print itself. The mat’s lip overlaps the edges of the artwork slightly to hold it in place, so the visible portion of your print will measure a bit less than the full 11×17. Standard mat borders run 2 to 3 inches, which is why the jump from 11×17 to 14×20 or 16×20 feels significant.
Outer Dimensions Vary By Frame Model
This is where buyers get tripped up. Two frames both listed as “11×17” can have very different outer measurements because the molding width differs from model to model. Retail listings show outer dimensions ranging from about 11.87 x 17.85 inches up to 12.38 x 18.38 inches for frames that all hold an 11×17 print.
What matters for hanging and display is the outside edge, but what matters for fit is the inside opening. If you are choosing a frame by its outer dimensions alone, you risk buying something that will not hold your print properly. Always confirm whether the listed measurements refer to the inside opening, the image size the frame holds, or the overall outer size before you order.
If your print is an odd size or you are looking for ready-made options, our roundup of the best 17 x 12 photo frame choices covers tested frames for that format and what to look for in the listing specs.
Most retail frames ship with either glass or plexiglass, and many have a protective film on the surface. The product instructions will note that this film needs to be removed before use, so check for it when your frame arrives.
Quick Fit Reference
| Mat Style | Frame Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No mat | 11×17 | The print fills the frame edge to edge. |
| Standard mat | 14×20 | Provides a modest border around the print. |
| Wider mat | 16×20 | Allows for a more generous mat border. |
| 2-inch border | 15×21 | A less common size; may require custom framing. |
Whichever route you choose, the guiding rule stays the same: match the frame’s inside opening to your print size plus whatever mat border you want. When in doubt, measure the inside opening of the frame itself rather than trusting the label, since “11×17” can mean different things on different product pages.
FrameUSA notes that frames are measured by their inside dimensions, making this the standard reference point across most reputable frame sellers.
FAQs
Does an 11×17 print need a mat?
No. An 11×17 frame holds an 11×17 print with no mat and looks complete on its own. A mat is an aesthetic choice that adds a border between the artwork and the frame. Use a larger frame only if you want that mat border.
What is the difference between 11×17 and tabloid size?
Tabloid is the printing term for 11×17 paper, so the two names describe the same dimensions. A frame designed for an 11×17 print will hold a tabloid-size document without issue, though the print may include margins that change the visible area.
Will a 16×20 frame fit an 11×17 print?
Yes, but not directly. A 16×20 frame holds an 11×17 print only when you add a mat that bridges the size difference. The mat creates the border while the frame’s inside opening accommodates both the print and the mat together.
References & Sources
- FrameUSA. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Confirms 11×17 as a standard size and explains that frames are measured by inside dimensions.
