4x6 Picture Frames

If 4x6 picture frames are your preferred size to display pictures, then you are not alone.

Unless you’re a photographer or professional framer, then sizes and measurements such as 4x6 picture frames as well as 8x10 or 5x7 picture frames may not mean very much to you.  However, if you want to select the perfect ways to display your photographs, then you’ll need to start learning a few of the basics about selecting the right sizes for your images.

There are a broad range of different sizes beyond simply 4x6 picture frames, though they are the most common for standard photos that you have developed from your traditional camera, or that you print from your digital camera.  5x7 picture frames are probably the next most popular. The measurements of the dimensions of these frames are measured in inches in the United States (though most other countries measure the dimensions of their frames in centimeters, so if you have your film developed out of the country or if you purchase your frames while visiting another nation, then you’ll need to make the conversion.

This means that 4x6 picture frames are four inches long by six inches wide.  Though many frames allow you to place images inside them that are either landscape (that is, six inches in width) or portrait (where the image is turned to be six inches high), you should check to make sure so that you don’t purchase one that won’t hang or sit in the right direction for your image.

4x6 Picture Frames - Measurement Tip

When you see a product labeled as 4x6 picture frames, you should know that the measurement indicates the inner dimensions as opposed to the outside of the border.  It indicates the size of the photograph that will be contained within it.  To make sure that you do have the right image for the frame, either measure it ahead of time, or bring it along with you to see if it will fit inside when you’ve taken off the backing.

Testing the picture in a 4x6 photo frame is often a good idea because the front opening is often just slightly smaller than the image to go inside.  This is because there is a small ledge built into it that will hold the glass and stop it from falling out.  Fortunately, it does usually give the image a more custom-framed appearance as it makes sure that the edges of the photograph are not visible.  However, you do not want this ledge to be so large that it actually covers some of the photo that you’d like to have visible. And if the fit is not to your liking, just go with 5x7 picture frames.

This same rules applies when you’re considering 4x6 photo frames in different shapes.  As attractive as a heart-shaped, square, circle, or other shaped one may be, you need to make sure that it faces the right direction and that the shape itself doesn’t cover some of the image that should be visible.  Again, if the fit doesn't look right, go with 5x7 picture frames and adjust your matting. Always check your photograph against it before making your final decision.