Art print sizes: A comprehensive guide

Art prints offer endless creative possibilities. But before you unleash your artistic vision, choosing the best size is essential. It impacts everything from aesthetics to marketability and production costs. 

This comprehensive guide dives deep into the world of art print sizes and aspect ratios, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions for your artistic journey, business success, or simply decorating your own space.

What is the most popular art print size?

While there is no single best art print size, some are particularly popular when decorating homes and offices due to their versatility and widespread appeal. 

The top contenders include:

• 8″ x 10″ (20.3 x 25.4 cm): This versatile size is perfect for smaller artwork and photographs and fits easily into pre-made frames.
• 11″ x 14″ (27.9 x 35.6 cm): Ideal for showcasing detailed pieces and offers a more significant presence compared to 8″ x 10″.
• 16″ x 20″ (40.6 x 50.8 cm): A popular choice for larger artwork, offering a statement piece without overwhelming smaller spaces.

These sizes are widely available, cater to diverse artistic styles, and offer a good balance between fitting into various spaces and providing enough room to display intricate details.

Common art print sizes

Art prints come in various sizes, catering to different needs and design preferences. Let’s dive deeper into common print sizes for art, along with recommended mat openings and art file pixel resolutions to guarantee the best print quality.

Small art prints (Up to 12″ x 16″ / 30.5 x 40.6 cm)

Small art prints are perfect for creating a gallery wall, adding a touch of art to a desk, or giving as gifts. 

Here are some typical small print sizes:

• 4″ x 6″ (10.2 x 15.2 cm): Ideal for postcards, smaller framed pieces, or photo prints. Usually the most affordable option.
  • Mat Opening: 3.5″ x 5.5″ (8.9 x 14 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 1200 x 1800 pixels
• 5″ x 7″ (12.7 x 17.8 cm): This size is great for small spaces or as part of a larger collection. A classic option for photographs and smaller artwork, it’s often paired with table-top easels and is perfect for portraits or close-ups.
  • Mat Opening: 4.5″ x 6.5″ (11.4 x 16.5 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 1500 x 2100 pixels
• 8″ x 8″ (20.3 x 20.3 cm): The square format is best for close-up shots, portraits, and abstract designs and patterns. Also, it’s the correct size for social media integration, matching Instagram posts and making it easy to transition digital art to print.
  • Mat Opening: 7.75″ x 7.75″  (19.7 x 19.7 cm) 
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 2400 x 2400 pixels
• 8″ x 10″ (20.3 x 25.4 cm): This versatile size is great for detailed artwork, botanical prints, or smaller photographs. Many pre-made mats and frames cater to this size – it’s popular for framing and versatile enough for various settings.
  • Mat Opening: 7.5″ x 9.5″ (19.1 x 24.1 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 2400 x 3000 pixels

Medium art prints (16″ x 20″ / 40.6 x 50.8 cm – 24″ x 36″ / 61 x 91.4 cm)

Medium art prints offer a good balance between being noticeable without overwhelming a space. They’re ideal for standalone pieces or focal points in a room.

• 11″ x 14″ (27.9 x 35.6 cm): Often used for photographs, portraits, and detailed illustrations. It’s a common choice for family photos and art pieces.
  • Mat Opening: 10.5″ x 13.5″ (26.7 x 34.3 cm) 
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 3300 x 4200 pixels
• 12″ x 12″ (30.5 x 30.5 cm): A popular square format ideal for graphic designs, abstract art, or photography with a symmetrical composition.
  • Mat Opening: 11.5″ x 11.5″ (29.2 x 29.2 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 3600 x 3600 pixels
• 12″ x 16″ (30.5 x 40.6 cm): Slightly larger size, perfect for detailed artwork.
  • Mat Opening: 11.5″ x 15.5″ (29.2 x 39.4 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 3600 x 4800 pixels
• 16″ x 20″ (40.6 x 50.8 cm): A larger format suitable for statement pieces, landscapes, or detailed artwork. Ideal ​​canvas sizes for walls or over a mantle.
  • Mat Opening: 15.5″ x 19.5″ (39.4 x 49.5 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 4800 x 6000 pixels
• 10″ x 24″ (25.4 x 61 cm): Excellent for panoramic shots and wide artistic compositions. Unlike standard sizes, its unique shape and aspect ratio highlight the image’s width, making it a compelling choice for showcasing expansive scenes in wall art.
  • Mat Opening: 9.75″ x 23.75″ (24.76 x 60.32 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 3000 x 7200 pixels

Large art prints (Over 18″ x 24″ / 45.7 x 61 cm)

Large art prints make a bold statement and are best suited for large walls or spaces that need a striking focal point. 

• 18″ x 24″ (45.7 x 61 cm): This size offers a substantial presence for larger artwork, posters, or photography.
  • Mat Opening: 17.5″ x 23.5″ (44.5 x 59.7 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 5400 x 7200 pixels
• 20″ x 30″ (50.8 x 76.2 cm): Ideal for panoramic landscapes or showcasing intricate details in larger pieces.
  • Mat Opening: 19.5″ x 29.5″ (49.5 x 75 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 6000 x 9000 pixels
• 24″ x 36″ (61 x 91.4 cm): A statement size for bold artwork, large-scale photographs, or creating a focal point in a room.
  • Mat Opening: 23.5″ x 35.5″ (59.7 x 90.2 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 7200 x 10800 pixels
• 30″ x 40″ (76.2 x 101.6 cm) and above: These large-scale prints are ideal for expansive wall spaces, creating a dramatic impact. While they offer a grand presentation, keep in mind:
  • File Resolution: Extremely high-resolution images are needed to maintain quality at this size. Aim for the highest resolution your source file offers, and consult your printing service for specific requirements.
  • Framing: Finding pre-made frames for these sizes can be challenging and expensive. Consider custom framing options or frameless presentation methods like canvas wraps or gallery mounts.
  • Shipping: Larger prints can incur higher shipping costs. Factor this into your pricing strategy if selling them.
  • Mat Opening: 29.5″ x 39.5″ (75 x 100.3 cm)
  • Recommended Pixel Dimensions: 9000 x 12000 pixels

Profitable art print types to sell

Selling art prints can be a profitable venture, especially if you choose print types that appeal to a wide audience. Here are some of the most profitable ones to consider:

Posters

Posters are a classic choice for art prints, popular for their affordability and variety. They’re perfect for dorm rooms, offices, and casual home decor.

There’s no single most common poster size, as these versatile prints come in various dimensions, from small and affordable to large and eye-catching. 

They’re perfect for showcasing artwork, photography, or even promotional content. Printify offers many high-quality poster papers to suit your artistic vision.

• Create Posters with Printify

Canvas prints

Custom canvas prints give a luxurious and textured feel, transforming your artwork into a museum-worthy masterpiece. They come in various sizes, with larger formats particularly popular for landscapes or bold, abstract pieces. 

A canvas print is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and art gallery walls.

Printify provides high-quality canvas materials and framing options for a complete, polished look.

• Create Canvas with Printify

Fine art prints

For artists creating high-end art pieces or looking for a traditional aesthetic, fine art prints are the way to go. 

These prints use archival-quality paper designed for art reproduction, ensuring vibrant colors, color accuracy, detail, and long-lasting durability. 

Printify offers a selection of fine art papers with different textures and finishes to perfectly complement your artwork.

• Create Fine Art Prints with Printify

Acrylic prints

Acrylic prints offer a modern and sleek presentation with a vibrant, almost luminous quality. The high-gloss finish creates a stunning visual impact, making them perfect for contemporary art styles or photographs and professional settings. 

Printify provides high-quality acrylic materials with different thicknesses to match your artistic vision.

• Create Acrylic Prints with Printify

Why sell art prints with Printify

If you’re looking to turn your passion into a business or simply want a reliable printing partner, Printify offers many advantages:

Variety of print sizes

We provide a vast selection of print sizes, from budget-friendly smaller prints to larger wall art. Find the perfect format for your artwork and add a personal touch without limitations.

Large product selection

Access a large selection of products, including posters, canvas prints, fine art prints, and acrylic prints.

Additionally, go beyond just prints – the Printify Catalog allows you to create a diverse product range, including t-shirts, phone cases, mugs, and more, all featuring your designs.

Free Product Creator

Printify’s free Product Creator allows you to design and customize your art prints easily, even if you don’t have advanced design skills. 

Create mockups and visualize your artwork on different products in realistic settings.

No upfront costs

With Printify, there are no upfront fees or inventory costs. You only pay for production when a customer orders, making it a risk-free way to start your art print business.

No minimum order

We have no minimum order requirements, so test the waters and sell as many or as few prints as you want without worrying about inventory.

We handle fulfillment and shipping

Printify takes care of everything after you receive an order. We handle printing, packaging, and shipping directly to your customers, freeing you to focus on creating art and marketing your brand.

FAQ

Summary

Understanding art print sizes is essential for artists, buyers, and sellers. Popular print sizes like 8″ x 10″ (20.3 x 25.4 cm), 11″ x 14″ (27.9 x 35.6 cm), and 16″ x 20″ (40.6 x 50.8 cm) offer versatility and appeal. By considering the right size for mat openings and pixel resolutions, you can make sure your artwork is presented in the best possible way.

Printify makes selling art prints simple and profitable, offering a wide range of print sizes and types, no upfront costs, and comprehensive fulfillment services. Whether you’re an artist or a buyer, Printify’s tools and resources can help you achieve your goals with ease.