How much does custom picture framing cost?

Custom picture framing typically costs between $50 and $500+, depending on artwork size, frame material, glass type, and matting. A small 8x10 inch piece with standard wood framing may cost $50–$100, while a large piece with museum glass and double matting can exceed $400.

What factors affect the cost of picture framing?

The main cost factors include artwork size (larger = more material), frame material (hardwood vs metal vs plastic), frame profile width, glass type (standard vs non-glare vs museum UV), matting (none vs single vs double), and labour/finishing costs.

Is museum glass worth the extra cost for picture framing?

Museum glass offers 99% UV protection and near-invisible anti-reflection coating, making it ideal for valuable artwork, photography, or pieces in bright rooms. It adds $40–$120 to framing costs but significantly extends the life and display quality of fine art.

How do I measure my artwork for framing?

Measure the visible image area (width × height in inches). If adding a mat, the frame opening will be slightly smaller than the mat board. Our calculator works from artwork dimensions and automatically accounts for mat and frame profile width.

What is the cheapest way to frame a picture?

The most affordable option is a standard plastic or composite frame with regular glass and no matting. For an 8x10 piece this can cost as little as $20–$40. DIY framing kits from craft stores are even cheaper, though they lack the professional finish of custom framing.

Free Estimator Tool

Picture Framing Cost Calculator

Get an instant custom framing price estimate. Enter your artwork size, choose materials, and see a full cost breakdown in seconds - before visiting a framer.

$50–$500+Typical price range

6 factorsCost variables covered

100% freeNo sign-up needed

Configure Your Frame

Artwork Dimensions

Width (inches)

Height (inches)

Frame Material

Pine Wood Hardwood / Oak Walnut / Exotic Aluminum Plastic / Composite Gilded / Ornate

Frame Profile Width

Narrow (1″) Medium (2″) Wide (3″+)

Frame Style

Classic Modern / Minimalist Vintage / Ornate Rustic / Barnwood Floater Frame

Glass / Glazing Type

Standard Glass Non-Glare UV-Protective Museum Glass Acrylic / Plexiglass No Glass

Matting (Mat Board)

No Mat Single Mat Double Mat Conservation Mat

Mounting / Backing

Standard Backing Foam Board Mount Conservation Mount Dry Mount

Finishing & Labour Level

Standard

Standard → Premium → Bespoke/Rush

Number of Frames

Collection / Delivery

Cost Estimate

Configure your frame options
and click Calculate to see
your cost estimate.

How to Use the Picture Framing Cost Calculator

Our free custom frame price estimator takes the guesswork out of budgeting for picture framing. Whether you're a homeowner, photographer, artist, or interior designer, you can estimate your total framing spend in under a minute.

Enter Artwork Size

Input your artwork's width and height in inches or centimeters. Choose between inner artwork size or outer framed dimension.

Choose Frame Material

Select from pine wood, hardwood, walnut, aluminum, plastic composite, or gilded ornate frames. Each affects your price differently.

Pick Glass & Matting

Choose your glazing type (standard, non-glare, UV, museum) and mat board style. These are the two biggest cost variables after size.

Get Instant Estimate

Hit Calculate to see a full cost breakdown and visual pie chart. Print or copy your summary to share with your local framer.

Typical Custom Picture Framing Costs by Size

Understanding average framing prices by artwork size helps you plan your budget. The table below shows typical ranges based on standard pine frame, single mat, and regular glass.

Artwork Size	Budget Framing	Standard Framing	Premium Framing
4×6 inches	$20–$35	$40–$70	$80–$130
5×7 inches	$25–$45	$50–$90	$100–$160
8×10 inches	$40–$70	$80–$140	$150–$250
11×14 inches	$60–$100	$110–$180	$200–$340
16×20 inches	$80–$130	$150–$260	$280–$450
18×24 inches	$100–$170	$185–$320	$330–$520
24×36 inches	$140–$220	$260–$440	$440–$700

What Affects the Cost of Custom Framing?

Several variables drive the final price when getting a picture framed by a professional. Here's what framers consider when calculating your quote:

Perimeter (frame length): The primary cost driver - more inches of moulding means a higher base price.
Frame material: Solid hardwood and gilded frames are premium; plastic/composite are the budget option.
Glass type: Museum glass can cost $80–$150 more than standard glass for the same frame size.
Mat board: Double matting and conservation mats significantly add to the price but improve presentation.
Labour & finishing: Hand-cut mats, custom corner joins, and rush jobs increase labour charges.
Location: Framing costs in New York or Los Angeles tend to run 20–40% higher than in smaller markets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Picture Framing Costs

Custom picture framing in the US typically ranges from $50 to $500 or more per piece, depending on artwork size, frame material, glass type, and finishing options. A small 8×10 piece with standard pine framing and regular glass may cost $60–$100, while a large 24×36 canvas with museum glass and double matting can easily exceed $450. Our calculator uses these real-world price ranges to give you an accurate estimate.
Museum glass provides 99% UV protection and an almost invisible anti-reflection coating, making artwork look as if it's unglazed. It's well worth the extra $40–$120 for valuable original artwork, irreplaceable family photos, or pieces displayed in bright, sun-exposed rooms. For reproductions or less valuable pieces in low-light settings, standard or non-glare glass is a more cost-effective choice.
To minimise custom framing costs: choose a standard wood or composite profile in a narrow width, use regular glass, skip the mat board (or use a single mat), and collect the frame in-store. Ordering multiple frames at once often earns a volume discount from local framers. Big-box craft stores like Michaels frequently run 50–60% off framing coupons, which dramatically reduces the list price.
Measure the visible image area (the part you want to show) from edge to edge - this is the rabbet size the framer uses. If you're adding a mat, the mat opening will be ¼″ smaller on each side (so a 16×20 mat opening on a 16×20 print shows a 15.5×19.5 image). Always measure in both inches and centimeters to avoid confusion, and write dimensions as Width × Height.
A floater frame is designed for stretched canvas paintings - the artwork sits slightly raised inside the frame with a visible gap around the edges, creating a "floating" effect. They're popular for contemporary and abstract art. Floater frames typically cost 15–25% more than a standard frame of the same size due to the extra construction involved. They do not use glass or matting, which offsets some of the price difference.
Yes - our picture framing cost calculator works for any flat artwork, including canvas prints, photographs, posters, needlepoint, diplomas, jerseys, and fine art prints. For stretched canvas, select "Floater Frame" as the style and "No Glass" as the glazing type for the most accurate estimate. For photos and paper prints, standard framing with a mat is typically recommended.