A-series paper-to-frame guide
A0–A6 in millimeters, centimeters and inches, with practical comparisons for A4 and A3.
| Series | Millimeters | Centimeters | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 84.1 × 118.9 | 33.110 × 46.811 |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 59.4 × 84.1 | 23.386 × 33.110 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 42 × 59.4 | 16.535 × 23.386 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 29.7 × 42 | 11.693 × 16.535 |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 21 × 29.7 | 8.268 × 11.693 |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 14.8 × 21 | 5.827 × 8.268 |
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 10.5 × 14.8 | 4.134 × 5.827 |
What frame size for A4?
An A4 sheet is 210 × 297 mm. A frame sold for A4 generally refers to that insert size. A frame advertised as “A4 with mount” may instead have a larger outer board and an A4 artwork opening. Read the listing to determine whether A4 names the full frame insert or the picture inside the mount.
A4 versus 8 × 10
8 × 10 inches is 203.2 × 254 mm, smaller than A4 by 6.8 mm in width and 43 mm in height. An untrimmed A4 sheet is not a nominal direct match for an 8 × 10 frame.
What frame size for A3?
A3 is 297 × 420 mm. 11 × 17 inches is 279.4 × 431.8 mm: narrower by 17.6 mm but taller by 11.8 mm. Similar overall area does not make the sheet fit.
Worked mount example
An A4 sheet with 3 mm overlap on every edge gives a 204 × 291 mm mount window. Inside a 300 × 400 mm board, the borders are 48 mm left and right, and 54.5 mm top and bottom, measured to the board edge. The frame lip may hide some border.
Use the mat/mount calculator and select millimeters. UK “mount” and US “mat” describe the same window-board concept here.
A visual size estimate. Verify the actual artwork, frame, mat, glazing, hardware, wall and manufacturer specifications before buying or arranging a display. Dimensions alone do not guarantee fit.