Read outside frames and clear gaps separately
Margins measure from the available layout boundary to the outer molding edge. Inter-frame gaps measure bare wall between neighboring outer edges. The inner opening is smaller than the outside frame because the molding face occupies each side.
For equal columns, subtract left and right margins and all internal gaps before dividing the remaining width by the frame count. Equal rows follow the same relationship with top and bottom margins and the row gap.
Equal outside width
(wall width − left margin − right margin − (columns − 1) × gap) ÷ columnsEqual outside height
(wall height − top margin − bottom margin − (rows − 1) × row gap) ÷ rowsWorked layout
Single-row picture-frame molding
Example measurements
- Layout area
- 120 × 84 in
- Molding face
- 2 in
- Top / bottom margins
- 6 in
- Side margins / column gaps
- 4 in
- Row gap
- None
Layout result
- Frames
- 4
- Horizontal pieces
- 8
- Required molding
- 64 ft 8 in
Compare on the same wall
Only the named layout setting changes. Wall measurements stay the same.
3 columns
4 in clear width / gap · 12 pieces on Wall A
Try this variation →4 columns
4 in clear width / gap · 16 pieces on Wall A
Try this variation →5 columns
4 in clear width / gap · 20 pieces on Wall A
Try this variation →Make the center or one row different
Use separate left and right margins when the frame group should sit off center. For a wider central frame, enter the column widths or use Wider center, then inspect the smaller side frames. An asterisk in a width or height list lets the remaining space be allocated automatically.
Two rows can use different heights. Locate their split against furniture and controls, then check every clear interior. Reset restores automatic equal sizing when you want to compare the custom composition with a uniform layout.
Follow the long and short points at each miter
The outside tips are the long points for the rectangular flat-wall miter. The inner tips are short points. Use the piece’s labeled references and cut directions; do not add another face width to a length that already includes the miter extension.
Keep frame, row, and side identities on repeated pieces. A directional profile can make two equal lengths face different ways. Test one sample corner against the actual wall before batch cutting, and review the longest piece against usable stock.
Resolve opening conflicts as part of the composition
Add the finished casing or obstacle rectangle at its measured location, and enter any additional clearance separately. If a molding member intersects that boundary, the calculator keeps your wall and opening measurements and blocks piece and material outputs. It does not produce notched or interrupted frame members.
Change the count, margins, gaps, or custom frame sizes until the molding clears the opening, then select Check inputs again. Keep the real opening in place while adjusting the composition. Assign the actual material profile, kerf, end trim, and spares separately. Curved or compound molding, uneven plaster, and unmeasured corner angles require fitting beyond this rectangular wall layout.
Picture Frame Molding Calculator questions
Can I make a wider center frame?
Yes. Use the wider-center option or custom column widths and inspect the available space left for the side frames.
Can the upper and lower rows differ?
Yes. Enter custom row heights while keeping the selected margins and row gap within the measured wall.
Are the listed cuts inside or outside sizes?
Read the separate long-point and short-point labels. The outside frame dimensions describe placement; the clear interior describes the space inside the molding.