Choosing the right size picture frame for a 13×17 photo comes down to one decision: whether you want a mat. That single choice dictates the frame size you need, and getting it wrong means either a wobbly print or a cropped image. Here’s the honest breakdown of how to match the frame to your artwork without wasting money on the wrong size.
When a 13×17 Frame Fits Perfectly
If your artwork measures a true 13×17 inches and you want a minimal border, an exact-fit 13×17 frame is the cleanest option. The photo fills the frame edge to edge, with no mat required. This works best for posters, prints, and photos where the image runs all the way to the borders.
One caution: frame openings are usually slightly smaller than the stated size. The frame’s lip can overlap the print by a small margin, so if your image has text or critical details near the edge, that overlap might crop something important. For busy images, a mat or custom-size frame is the safer call.
Adding a Mat: The 1/4-Inch Rule
When you want a mat for a gallery-style presentation, the 13×17 frame itself won’t work — the mat adds to the required frame size. Instead, you buy a larger frame, and the mat’s opening does the holding.
That overlap is what keeps the print held firmly in place without tape or glue.
The frame size you need is the mat’s outer size, not your photo’s size. If you want a 13×17 mat, you’ll step up to a larger frame that fits the mat’s outside dimensions.
Standard Mat-to-Frame Pairings for 13×17 Prints
If you’re buying a ready-made mat rather than a custom one, these are the standard opening sizes that work with a 13×17 photo. The mat’s outer dimensions then determine the frame you buy.
| Mat Opening | Suitable Frame Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 | 11 x 14 frame | Small prints, tight crops |
| 9 x 12 | 13 x 17 frame | Compact presentation |
| 10 x 13 | 16 x 20 frame | Standard gallery look |
| 11 x 14 | 18 x 24 frame | Wide borders, larger display |
| 13 x 17 (full opening) | 18 x 24 or larger | True 13×17 art with mat border |
Common mat-to-frame pairings like 11×14, 10×13, 9×12, and 8×10 mat openings all work when matted to a 13×17 outer size. The 9×12 opening is notable because it fits directly inside a 13×17 frame — that’s a single-frame solution for smaller artwork.
What About 13×19 Frames?
A 13×19 frame is a standard size in framing workflows, and it’s a common nearby option if you’re working with odd-sized prints. However, a 13×19 frame is not the same as a 13×17 frame. If your photo is a true 13×17, a 13×19 frame leaves a 1-inch gap on two sides — you’d need a mat with a 13×17 opening to fill that space properly.
For most people, the simplest path is to match the frame to the mat’s outer size, not to guess at nearby standards. If you’re ordering a custom mat, the frame size is the mat’s outer dimension plus the frame’s own border on all four sides.
If you’re ready to buy and want vetted options in the exact 13×17 size, our tested roundup of the best 13×17 picture frames breaks down which ones actually hold prints securely.
FAQs
Can I put a 13×17 photo in a 13×19 frame?
Yes, but you’ll need a mat with a 13×17 opening to fill the extra space. Without a mat, the photo will sit loose with a visible 1-inch gap on two sides. A 13×19 frame with a proper mat makes the print look intentional rather than undersized.
How much smaller should a mat opening be than the photo?
This overlap holds the print in place without adhesives and keeps the edges from showing through.
Will a 13×17 frame crop my photo’s edges?
Possibly. Frame openings are usually slightly smaller than the stated size, so the frame lip can overlap the print by a small margin. If your image has text or important details near the border, use a mat with a wider overlap or a custom frame to avoid cropping critical content.
References & Sources
- Austin Gallery. “Frame Size Calculator.” Explains the 1/4-inch mat overlap rule and how frame size relates to mat outer dimensions.
- Frame USA. “Picture Frame Size Chart.” Lists standard frame sizes including 13×19 and common mat pairings.
- Frame Destination. “Picture Frame Size Guide.” Documents mat opening dimensions and exact-fit 13×17 recommendations.