Print & framing guides
What Size Portrait Should I Order? A Print Size Guide
Compare portrait print sizes, measure your wall and allow for a frame. See 12 × 16, 18 × 24 and 24 × 32 inch options alongside the regional metric sizes.
In this guide
Choose a portrait size by measuring the clear space where it will hang, checking the artwork's orientation and allowing for any frame. At Amber Portraits, US and Canadian portrait options are 12 × 16, 18 × 24 and 24 × 32 inches. Metric options are 30 × 40, 45 × 60 and 60 × 80 cm, depending on the destination.
A larger print gives the artwork more space on the wall, but it must fit the room and your display budget. Start with the dimensions, then compare canvas, paper and framing.
What sizes can you order at Amber Portraits?
There are 3 size choices in each regional catalogue. The dimensions below describe the artwork face in portrait orientation; an outer frame adds to the overall width and height.
| Size name | US and Canada | Metric options |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | 12 × 16 inches | 30 × 40 cm |
| Gallery | 18 × 24 inches | 45 × 60 cm |
| Statement | 24 × 32 inches | 60 × 80 cm |
Size options checked on 30 October 2026 against our current sizes and prices. Choose your delivery country to see the available dimensions. The inch and centimetre options are separate regional products, not exact unit conversions.
For example, 12 × 16 inches equals 30.48 × 40.64 cm by unit conversion. A listed 30 × 40 cm print has different nominal dimensions. When buying a frame, use the size listed for the product you will receive.
Compare the three print sizes
Within either catalogue, Gallery is 1.5 times the width and height of Classic; Statement is 2 times the width and height. Statement therefore has 4 times the artwork area, rather than four times the width.
- Classic
- 12 × 16 in
- 30 × 40 cm
- Gallery
- 18 × 24 in
- 45 × 60 cm
- Statement
- 24 × 32 in
- 60 × 80 cm
These are proportional comparisons of the artwork face. They do not include a canvas outer frame, a paper mat or a room background. A room photograph on a screen is not a substitute for measuring your own space.
How do you measure the wall before choosing a size?
Measure the space the finished piece can occupy, including its frame. Then test the outline in the room before deciding which size feels comfortable from your usual viewing position.
- Measure the clear area. Include nearby furniture, shelves, switches and other artwork in your plan. Decide whether the piece will be vertical or horizontal.
- Mark the proposed outline. Use a paper template, or removable tape suitable for the surface, to show the width and height. If you know the frame's outer dimensions, use those for this outline.
- Look from where you will see it. Stand or sit at your usual viewing position. Compare a second size in the same place rather than judging from the small picture on your phone.
For a multi-person portrait, look at how much of the composition is devoted to each face. A wide scene with several people can make each person appear smaller than a close portrait at the same print size. Check the composition as well as the dimensions.
Does the listed size include the frame?
Amber's listed print sizes describe the artwork face. A canvas or paper frame increases the overall dimensions. Our framed paper prints have no mat; if you choose unframed paper and arrange your own framing, allow for any mat and frame you add.
For canvas, “Unframed” still means the fabric is stretched over an internal wooden support. Black, natural wood or dark wood adds an outer floating frame. Fine art paper is available as a flat, unframed print or ready to hang in a black, white, natural wood or dark wood frame. The frame adds to the overall size and overlaps the paper edge slightly.
If the piece needs to fit a tight space, contact us with the print size, frame option and delivery country to confirm the full framed dimensions before ordering. The on-screen product display is illustrative, so avoid measuring the rendered frame on your screen.
If you already own a paper frame, check which print size it accepts and the visible opening in its mat. A mat can cover the image edges. For the differences in framing and total display cost, read canvas versus fine art paper.
What changes for a landscape portrait?
Landscape artwork uses the same dimensions turned horizontally. For example, a 12 × 16 inch portrait option becomes 16 × 12 inches in landscape orientation.
Every style, including Home Impressions and Free Style, offers landscape 4:3 or portrait 3:4. Home Impressions defaults to landscape; people and pet styles default to portrait. Free Style follows your first photo’s direction. You can change the format after adding your photos, before creating the preview. Check the orientation again before ordering.
For a house, landscape space may help fit the building and its surroundings. Our house reference photo guide explains how to choose a view that shows the architecture you want included.
Why does aspect ratio matter for a frame?
Aspect ratio is the relationship between an image's width and height. Matching the print and frame opening reduces the need to crop the image or add a border.
Adobe's crop and aspect-ratio guide describes it as “the proportion of width to height”. The portrait print dimensions in Amber's catalogues share a 3:4 ratio. Rotating them gives 4:3 landscape.
A square frame has a different shape. To put a rectangular portrait in one, you would need to decide how to handle the extra space or cropping with your framer. Do not stretch the image to fill an incompatible opening: that changes the proportions of faces and buildings.
If you are arranging your own printing, also check the delivered file's pixel dimensions. Our digital portrait printing guide explains how size, crop and resolution work together.
Should you choose the largest size for more detail?
Choose a larger size because you want a larger display, after checking the artwork itself. Increasing the print size does not correct an expression, marking or composition you dislike in the preview.
Compare faces and important features before ordering. For self-arranged printing, check the finished file's actual pixel dimensions; the digital portrait printing guide explains how to calculate the resolution at your chosen size.
Compare sizes for your space
Try the outline of your preferred size in the room, allow for the frame and confirm the dimensions for your delivery country. Keep those measurements when choosing between formats.
Compare the available sizes, finishes and prices for your delivery country. You can plan the dimensions before creating a portrait. When you are ready to try your photo, explore all portrait styles.