A 50×70 cm picture frame measures 19.7 × 27.6 inches, a size close to US 20 × 28 inch frames but slightly smaller in both dimensions.
Whether you are sizing a movie poster or planning a gallery wall, the metric dimensions of a 50×70 cm picture frame catch many US buyers off guard. The frame is 50 centimeters wide and 70 centimeters tall, which translates to roughly 19.7 inches by 27.6 inches. That puts it just a hair under the common American 20 × 28 inch poster frame, a distinction that matters when you are matching artwork to a frame you already own.
Here is the breakdown of exactly how big this frame size is, where it fits among US standards, and the mistakes that lead to mismatched prints.
50×70 Cm In Inches: The Exact Conversion
The math is straightforward once you know the metric baseline. A 50×70 cm frame is 500 by 700 millimeters, and converting those numbers to inches gives you the real-world footprint.
- Width: 50 cm = 19.69 inches (about 19.7 inches)
- Height: 70 cm = 27.56 inches (about 27.6 inches)
- Total area: roughly 543 square inches of framing space
Frame-size conversion guides from Abstract House and Gearup both land on the same figures, confirming the 19.7 × 27.6 inch measurement. The slight rounding difference between 19.69 and 19.7 inches never affects fitting — the frame is still a half-inch short of the US 20-inch standard on both sides.
Is 50×70 Cm The Same As 20×28 Or 20×30 Inches?
Neither. A 50×70 cm frame sits between the US 20 × 28 and 20 × 30 inch classes but matches neither exactly. Frame-size guides at FrameUSA list 20 × 28 inches as the nearest standard equivalent for metric 50×70 cm prints, yet the two sizes are not interchangeable without some adjustment.
A true 20 × 28 inch frame gives you 0.4 inches of extra room on each dimension. A 20 × 30 inch frame is a full 2.4 inches taller, which is why assuming that size will fit is the most common buyer error. When you order a 20 × 28 print for a 50×70 cm frame, expect to trim the artwork or use a mat with an opening sized to the metric print.
Here is the quick comparison:
| Frame Size | Inches | Fits 50×70 Cm Print? |
|---|---|---|
| 50 × 70 cm | 19.7 × 27.6 | Exactly |
| 20 × 28 inch | 20 × 28 | Close, may need trimming |
| 20 × 30 inch | 20 × 30 | Too large |
Sizing Mistakes That Ruin The Fit
The biggest trap with a 50×70 cm frame is assuming the listed size matches the visible window. Many sellers quote the frame’s outer dimensions, not the opening where your artwork actually sits, so a print sized to the nominal 50×70 cm spec can still slide around or get covered at the edges.
Two other details deserve attention. Orientation matters — a 50×70 cm frame works vertically or horizontally only if the hanging hardware supports both, which some budget frames do not. Glazing is not guaranteed, either. Listings vary between standard acrylic, anti-reflective acrylic, and real glass, so a frame described simply as “50×70” tells you nothing about what covers your print.
For a practical rundown of tested frames in this exact size, our guide to the best 70 x 50 cm frames covers options that fit metric prints without cropping.
FAQs
What US frame size is closest to 50×70 cm?
The nearest standard US size is 20 × 28 inches, which FrameUSA cites as the closest equivalent. The US frame runs about 0.4 inches larger on each side, so a 20 × 28 inch frame gives you a little extra room around a true metric print rather than a precise match.
Can a 20×30 inch print fit in a 50×70 cm frame?
No. A 20 × 30 inch print is 2.4 inches taller than the 27.6 inch opening of a 50×70 cm frame. The print will not fit without cutting it down or choosing a larger frame designed for US 20 × 30 inch artwork.
Does a 50×70 cm frame hold standard posters?
It holds metric-sized posters and art prints sold in 50×70 cm format. Standard US movie posters use different dimensions, so check the print’s exact measurements before buying. The frame’s listed size may also describe its outer edge rather than the artwork opening.
References & Sources
- FrameUSA. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Lists 20 × 28 inches as the nearest US standard equivalent to 50 × 70 cm.
- Abstract House. “Photo Frame Size Guide.” Confirms metric-to-inch conversions for common European frame sizes.
- Gearup. “Photo Frame Size Conversion Chart.” Provides the 19.69 × 27.56 inch conversion used for 50 × 70 cm frames.