Picture Mat Size Calculator

Picture Mat Size Calculator

function calculateMatSize() { var artworkActualWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('artworkActualWidth').value); var artworkActualHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('artworkActualHeight').value); var topBorderWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('topBorderWidth').value); var bottomBorderWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('bottomBorderWidth').value); var sideBorderWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('sideBorderWidth').value); var artworkOverlap = parseFloat(document.getElementById('artworkOverlap').value); if (isNaN(artworkActualWidth) || isNaN(artworkActualHeight) || isNaN(topBorderWidth) || isNaN(bottomBorderWidth) || isNaN(sideBorderWidth) || isNaN(artworkOverlap) || artworkActualWidth <= 0 || artworkActualHeight <= 0 || topBorderWidth < 0 || bottomBorderWidth < 0 || sideBorderWidth < 0 || artworkOverlap < 0) { document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.'; return; } // Calculate Mat Opening Dimensions var matOpeningWidth = artworkActualWidth – (2 * artworkOverlap); var matOpeningHeight = artworkActualHeight – (2 * artworkOverlap); if (matOpeningWidth <= 0 || matOpeningHeight <= 0) { document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = 'Artwork overlap is too large for the artwork dimensions. Mat opening would be zero or negative.'; return; } // Calculate Overall Mat Dimensions var overallMatWidth = matOpeningWidth + (2 * sideBorderWidth); var overallMatHeight = matOpeningHeight + topBorderWidth + bottomBorderWidth; var resultHTML = '

Calculated Mat Dimensions:

'; resultHTML += 'Mat Opening Size: ' + matOpeningWidth.toFixed(2) + ' inches (Width) x ' + matOpeningHeight.toFixed(2) + ' inches (Height)'; resultHTML += 'Overall Mat Size: ' + overallMatWidth.toFixed(2) + ' inches (Width) x ' + overallMatHeight.toFixed(2) + ' inches (Height)'; resultHTML += 'The overall mat size is the dimension your mat board needs to be cut to, and should fit your frame.'; document.getElementById('result').innerHTML = resultHTML; }

Understanding the Picture Mat Size Calculator

A picture mat, also known as a passe-partout, is a crucial element in framing artwork. It's a flat, thin piece of material (usually acid-free paper board) that serves as a border between your artwork and the frame's glass. Mats not only enhance the visual appeal of your piece by providing a clean border and drawing the eye inward, but they also protect the artwork by preventing it from touching the glass, which can cause damage over time due to condensation or sticking.

Getting the mat dimensions right is essential for a professional-looking framed piece. This calculator simplifies the process, helping you determine the precise mat opening and overall mat size needed based on your artwork and desired border widths.

How to Use This Calculator

To use the Picture Mat Size Calculator, simply input the following measurements:

• Artwork Actual Width (inches): Enter the exact width of your artwork or photograph.
• Artwork Actual Height (inches): Enter the exact height of your artwork or photograph.
• Top Mat Border Width (inches): Specify how wide you want the mat border to be above your artwork.
• Bottom Mat Border Width (inches): Specify how wide you want the mat border to be below your artwork. It's common practice to make the bottom border slightly wider than the top and sides for a visually balanced look.
• Side Mat Border Width (inches): Specify how wide you want the mat borders to be on the left and right sides of your artwork.
• Artwork Overlap (inches per side): This is the amount the mat opening will overlap your artwork on each side. A standard overlap is 0.25 inches (1/4 inch). This overlap ensures the artwork is securely held behind the mat opening and prevents it from slipping through.

Once you've entered all the values, click "Calculate Mat Sizes" to get your results.

Understanding the Results

The calculator will provide two key sets of dimensions:

• Mat Opening Size: This is the precise size of the rectangular hole that needs to be cut into the mat board. It will be slightly smaller than your artwork's actual dimensions due to the specified overlap.
• Overall Mat Size: This is the total outer dimension of the mat board. This measurement is critical because it tells you what size mat board you need to cut or purchase, and it must fit perfectly into your chosen picture frame.

Tips for Perfect Matting

• Aesthetic Balance: For a classic look, many framers recommend making the bottom mat border slightly wider than the top and side borders. This creates a visual anchor and can make the artwork feel more grounded.
• Standard Overlap: While you can customize the overlap, 0.25 inches (1/4 inch) per side is a widely accepted standard. This provides enough material to hold the artwork without obscuring too much of the image.
• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Accuracy is paramount in framing. Double-check all your artwork measurements before inputting them into the calculator.
• Consider the Frame: Always ensure your calculated "Overall Mat Size" will fit comfortably within your chosen picture frame. If you already have a frame, you might need to adjust your border widths to achieve the desired overall mat size.
• Mat Board Choice: Always opt for acid-free or archival-quality mat board to protect your artwork from degradation over time.

Example Calculation

Let's say you have an artwork that is 8 inches wide by 10 inches high. You want a 2-inch top border, a 2.5-inch bottom border, and 2-inch side borders. You'll use a standard 0.25-inch overlap.

1. Artwork Actual Width: 8 inches
2. Artwork Actual Height: 10 inches
3. Top Mat Border Width: 2 inches
4. Bottom Mat Border Width: 2.5 inches
5. Side Mat Border Width: 2 inches
6. Artwork Overlap: 0.25 inches

Using the calculator:

• Mat Opening Width: 8 – (2 * 0.25) = 7.5 inches
• Mat Opening Height: 10 – (2 * 0.25) = 9.5 inches
• Overall Mat Width: 7.5 + (2 * 2) = 11.5 inches
• Overall Mat Height: 9.5 + 2 + 2.5 = 14 inches

So, you would need to cut a mat opening of 7.5 x 9.5 inches into a mat board that is 11.5 x 14 inches overall.