width of frame v. width of mat
If the frame sizeânot the mat openingâsays 11Ã14, it is referring to the inside dimension. However, the frame will be cut slightly larger (typically 1/8 inch). This extra space allows room for the glazing, mounting board and mat board to fit without binding.
This size mat board will overlap the image by Â¼ inch on all four sides, allowing it to hold the image down. Mat boards cut by custom frame shops will usually cut the mat with an opening of 7.75Ã9.75 so there is less masking of the image. The mat external size is the perimeter, or outside dimension, of the mat board. The mat external size should match the dimensions of the glazing.