Left & Right Border: 0 inches
Top & Bottom Border: 0 inches
The Matt Cutter Calculator is a simple yet powerful tool designed to help artists, framers, and DIY enthusiasts calculate the border sizes needed when matting artwork. Framing artwork not only enhances its appearance but also protects it. A well-matted artwork can significantly improve its visual appeal, making the Matt Cutter Calculator an essential tool for anyone looking to display art professionally or at home.
Purpose and Functionality
The primary purpose of the Matt Cutter Calcula tor is to ensure that artwork is perfectly centred within a frame, with even borders on all sides. This calculator uses a straightforward formula to determine the width of the top, bottom, left, and right borders required to achieve this balance. By inputting the dimensions of the artwork and the frame, users can quickly calculate the border sizes needed without the guesswork.
The calculator's functionality is based on the following formula:
- Left and Right Borders (B_l and B_r):
(F_w - A_w) / 2 - Top and Bottom Borders (B_t and B_b):
(F_h - A_h) / 2
Where:
A_w= Width of the artworkA_h= Height of the artworkF_w= Width of the frameF_h= Height of the frame
Step-by-Step Examples
Let's go through a simple example to illustrate how the Matt Cutter Calculator works:
Example 1:
- Artwork dimensions: 8 inches wide by 10 inches high
- Frame dimensions: 12 inches wide by 16 inches high
Calculations:
- Left and Right Borders:
(12 - 8) / 2 = 2inches - Top and Bottom Borders:
(16 - 10) / 2 = 3inches
This means you would need to cut the mat so that there are 2 inches of border on both the left and right sides, and 3 inches of border on both the top and bottom sides to center the artwork within the frame perfectly.
Relevant Information Table
Here's a table that provides a quick reference for calculating border sizes for different artwork and frame sizes:
| Artwork Size (inches) | Frame Size (inches) | Left/Right Border (inches) | Top/Bottom Border (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 x 10 | 12 x 16 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 x 7 | 10 x 12 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| 11 x 14 | 16 x 20 | 2.5 | 3 |
| 16 x 20 | 20 x 24 | 2 | 2 |
Conclusion
The Matt Cutter Calculator is an indispensable tool for ensuring that artwork is framed beautifully and professionally. By using this calculator, artists, framers, and enthusiasts can eliminate the trial and error typically associated with matting and framing artwork. The simplicity of its formula, coupled with the precision it offers, makes the calculator a must-have for anyone looking to enhance the presentation of their artwork. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY hobbyist, the Matt Cutter Calculator simplifies the process, ensuring perfect results every time.