A 20 x 25 frame size refers to the inside opening, measuring 20 inches wide by 25 inches tall, which means you measure between the inner edges of the frame molding, not the outer dimensions.
Ordering a 20 x 25 frame without measuring correctly is a fast way to end up with a frame that either swallows your art or refuses to hold it. The number “20 x 25” almost always describes the interior opening—the space where your print, photo, or mat lives. The frame’s outer edge is usually wider (often 1.5 to 2 inches on each side), so grabbing the wrong number means a poor fit. Below is the exact measurement process, what to watch for with a non-standard size like this one, and how to confirm a perfect fit for your artwork.
Note: 20 x 25 is not a standard off-the-shelf frame size in the U.S. (the closest standard sizes are 20 x 24 and 20 x 28). This means you’ll almost certainly need a custom order from a manufacturer like Frame USA or ArtToFrame. The measurement steps below apply whether you order a custom frame or build one yourself.
Measuring a 20 x 25 Frame: The Step-by-Step Process
Measuring a frame correctly starts with understanding that the 20 x 25 number refers to the opening for your art. Follow these steps from the Mission Linen measurement guide:
- Gather tools: A tape measure with a secure lock (like a Stanley Powerlock II) prevents creeping, and a pen and paper to record numbers.
- Set the units: Confirm the tape is reading in inches, not centimeters. This is a U.S. custom size.
- Measure the inside opening: Place the tape measure’s 0-inch mark exactly against the inner edge of the frame molding. Measure from left to right for width, then top to bottom for height. Record to the nearest full inch.
- Account for the rebate: The interior opening should be slightly larger than your art.
- Double-check: Measure twice or have a helper confirm. A half-inch error from a loose tape tip or misread zero point will ruin the fit.
What Is a 20 x 25 Frame Actually Called?
In the U.S., frame dimensions are always written as Width × Height. A 20 x 25 frame means the inside opening is 20 inches wide and 25 inches tall. If you see a listing that says “20 x 25 Frame” but doesn’t specify interior vs. exterior dimensions, assume it refers to the interior opening unless the product page explicitly gives overall measurements.
Those overall dimensions are larger. For example, a specific 20 x 25 frame on Walmart made from grey solid wood has an interior opening of 20 × 25 inches and overall dimensions of 21.625 × 26.625 inches, with a molding width of 1.625 inches and a rabbet depth of 0.6875 inches. Always read the full specs before ordering.
Why 20 x 25 Frames Are Different from Standard Sizes
You won’t find a 20 x 25 frame on the shelf at most big-box stores. Standard U.S. sizes in this range are 20 x 24 and 20 x 28. The 25-inch height is a custom order for prints, photos, or artwork that doesn’t fit standard ratios. This means you’ll need to order from a custom frame shop or specialty retailer. The measurement process above is still the same, but you must input those exact numbers into the custom framing form.
For matting, remember that a mat border adds width and height to the artwork. A 3-inch mat on all sides adds 6 inches to both dimensions. So a 14 x 19 inch print with a 3-inch mat needs a 20 x 25 frame opening. Always check that the frame’s rabbet depth is deep enough to hold your art, mat, and backing board together (the rabbet on the example frame is 0.6875 inches, which is suitable for most single-matted pieces).
| Frame Size Type | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior opening (for art) | 20.0 | 25.0 | Official frame size designation |
| Exterior (Walmart example) | 21.625 | 26.625 | Molding adds 1.625 inches per side |
| Art size (no mat) | 19.88–19.96 | 24.88–24.96 | Subtract 0.04–0.12 inch for rebate |
| Art size (3-inch mat) | 14.0 | 19.0 | Mat adds 6 inches total |
| Standard size (nearest) | 20 | 24 | Will not fit 25-inch art |
| Standard size (next up) | 20 | 28 | Requires mat to fill excess |
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Fit
The most frequent error is measuring the outer edge of the frame instead of the inside opening. The outer dimensions are almost always larger, so ordering a frame based on those numbers guarantees a mismatch. Another classic mistake is starting the tape measure at the metal tip rather than the “0” mark on the blade. The tip can wiggle and add as much as a half-inch error. Always anchor the zero against the inner molding.
A third trap is forgetting the rebate clearance. If you cut your art to exactly 20 x 25 inches, it won’t slide under the frame’s lip. You must add a small gap or, more practically, cut your art slightly smaller. The last common error: confusing width and height. In the U.S., width is always first. If your art is taller than it is wide, the frame is 20 wide by 25 tall, not the other way around.
How to Measure Matting for a 20 x 25 Frame
Matting a 20 x 25 frame changes the math. The frame opening is for the combined art plus mat assembly. If you have a 14 x 19 inch print and want a 3-inch mat on all sides, the total need is 20 x 25 inches. Measure the inside edge of the mat opening for the art, then add the mat border width to both dimensions to confirm the frame opening is correct.
For canvases, also measure the depth (thickness) of the canvas, as this must fit within the frame’s rabbet depth. If the rabbet is too shallow (e.g., 0.6875 inches) for a thick canvas (e.g., 0.75 inches plus backing board), you need a deeper frame or a spacer.
Getting the Right 20 x 25 Frame for Your Art
Because 20 x 25 is a custom size, your best path is a specialty frame shop or online custom order. Enter your measurements exactly as you took them (inside opening) into the custom studio. If you’re at the point of selecting a frame, our roundup of the best 20 x 25 frames shows top-rated picks for different styles and budgets. The table below summarizes the three main measurement scenarios to confirm your order.
| Scenario | Your Task | Key Numbers to Confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Bare print (no mat) | Measure print size, ensure frame opening is 0.04–0.12 inch larger | Print size + gap = frame opening |
| Print with mat | Measure print + mat border total | Print + (2 × mat width) = frame opening |
| Canvas (thick) | Measure canvas depth + backing | Total thickness ≤ frame rabbet depth |
FAQs
Can I fit 20×25 art into a 20×24 frame?
No, a 20×24 frame has an inside opening of 20 by 24 inches, which is 1 inch too short for 25-inch tall art. The art will not fit physically without trimming or damaging the piece. You need a custom 20×25 frame.
Are 20×25 frames available at Walmart or Ikea?
20×25 is not a standard mass-market size. Walmart lists a specific 20×25 gray solid wood frame online, but most big-box stores only stock 20×24 and 20×28. You’ll mostly find 20×25 through custom online frame shops.
How do I know if a listing says interior or exterior dimensions?
Check the product description for phrases like “interior opening,” “inside dimensions,” or “fits artwork size.” If ambiguous, look for the rabbet depth and molding width in the specs. Exterior dimensions are always larger and often listed separately.
What is the right clearance for art in a 20×25 frame?
Too tight, and the art warps; too loose, and it shifts inside the frame.
References & Sources
- Mission Linen Supply. “How to Measure a Picture Frame.” Step-by-step guide for inside dimensions and rebate clearance.
- Frame USA. “Picture Frame Sizes.” Lists standard U.S. sizes and confirms 20×25 as non-standard.
- Walmart. “20×25 Frame Grey Solid Wood.” Product specs showing interior vs. exterior dimensions.
- eFrame. “How to Measure for Picture Frames.” Measuring guidelines for prints and canvases.
- FrameDestination. “Guide to Frame and Mat Dimensions for Common Print Sizes.” Mat calculation for non-standard frame openings.