Methodology
How the dimension models work, where they stop, and how we review changes.
Reference data
Each dimension record stores the source unit, artwork rectangle, nominal frame-opening reference, orientation, market terminology, source IDs, confidence, variation notes and review date. A-series dimensions are paper references. Inch sizes are a selected nominal catalog.
Unknown mat openings, actual visible openings, external frame dimensions, rabbet depth and manufacturer allowances are left unspecified. They cannot be inferred from a nominal label.
Calculation rules
- Unit conversion uses exactly 25.4 millimeters per inch and full floating-point precision until display.
- A mat window subtracts twice the per-edge overlap from the full artwork width and height.
- Centered board-edge borders are half the difference between the board and window in each direction.
- Frame suggestions satisfy the requested minimum border and full-sheet dimensions, testing both orientations and sorting by nominal area. Results are not merchant inventory.
- Aspect-ratio matching compares the entered orientation. Fill uses the larger scale factor; fit uses the smaller. Crop and blank percentages describe area.
- Gallery layouts use actual outside frame dimensions. Gaps run between outside edges. Negative side space means the layout exceeds the available visual width.
Diagrams and precision
Rectangles are proportional; line thickness, labels and dimension ticks are illustrative. A dark border is a diagram outline unless explicitly described otherwise. Display rounding is not a manufacturing tolerance.
Review and correction
A review checks cited definitions, formulas, worked examples, invalid inputs and related pages. We update affected records and page dates when substantive information changes. The date does not imply that every manufacturer’s current product has been measured.
Report a reproducible error. We review the original source, reproduce the calculation, correct all affected outputs and record material changes.