Picture frame molding calculator
Enter your wall size and get an even grid of framed panels, exact mitre cut lengths and a material cost estimate — every box and gap balanced automatically.
Open the planner with picture frames →Runs in your browser. No sign-up, no download. Your first wall is free.
How to space picture frame molding evenly
Picture frame molding is a grid of mitred boxes applied to the wall. It looks simple, but it only works when the margins, the boxes and the gaps are all consistent — and solving that by hand across a whole wall is exactly the fiddly part. The calculator balances it for you:
- Set your margins from the skirting, ceiling and both sides. Keep them equal, or deliberately a little larger at the bottom so the boxes sit visually centred.
- Choose rows and columns. Pick how many boxes across and down; the planner divides the leftover space into equal boxes with matching gaps.
- Refine. Drag a divider to resize neighbouring boxes, lock a width you like, or set an exact box size — the rest reflow to stay even.
- Read the cuts. Each box becomes four mitred lengths in the cut list, sized to the moulding you're using.
What gap and margin look right?
A gap of 80–120 mm (3–5 in) between boxes, with a similar or slightly larger margin to the skirting and ceiling, suits most walls. Larger, fewer boxes feel calm and contemporary; smaller, denser boxes feel traditional. Because every change re-balances instantly, it's quick to compare a 2×3 grid against a 3×4 before buying anything.
Mitre cuts and materials
Each side of a frame is cut at 45° at both ends, so the outside edge is longer than the inside by twice the moulding width. The calculator gives the exact length for every side and marks it as a mitre, so you can cut straight from the list. Lightweight panel moulding or MDF profile is the usual material; the cut list keeps each profile separate and prices it individually.
What you get
- A scaled drawing of the wall with every framed box placed.
- A cut list of mitred lengths grouped by profile, packed onto your stock length with kerf and end trims accounted for.
- A material cost estimate in your currency, with a waste allowance you set.
- A printable build pack — drawings, cuts, a shopping list and fitting steps — to save as a PDF.
Picture frame molding calculator FAQ
- How do you space picture frame molding evenly?
- Set equal margins from the skirting, ceiling and sides, then divide the space that's left into equal boxes with matching gaps. The calculator balances the box sizes and gaps so every frame lines up.
- What gap should there be between frames?
- A gap of 80–120 mm (3–5 in) between boxes, with a similar or slightly larger margin to the skirting and ceiling, looks balanced on most walls. Keep every gap equal and the margins consistent.
- How do I work out the mitre cut lengths?
- Each side is cut at 45° at both ends, so the outside edge is longer than the inside by twice the moulding width. The calculator gives the exact lengths per box and marks every cut as a mitre.
- Is it free?
- Yes. Plan one wall, see the full layout, cut list and cost, and export for free. A one-time Pro unlock adds unlimited walls and removes the export watermark.