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Bettesworth Construction
custom framing

Diploma Frames: How to Choose the Right Size and Style

Diploma sizes vary by school. Measure the printed document, confirm the frame opening and compare materials, glazing and outside dimensions before ordering.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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Measure the diploma itself before choosing a frame: diploma dimensions vary by school, and the frame’s stated outside dimensions do not tell you what size document it holds. Compare the document opening, mat aperture, materials, glazing and overall footprint, then confirm any school-specific fit or customization with the seller.

How to measure for a diploma frame

Measure the printed diploma’s width and height, excluding decorative borders or any existing matting. If the diploma has not arrived, ask the issuing school for its dimensions rather than assuming it is a standard letter-size document. University Frames likewise advises measuring the paper or confirming its dimensions with the school in its diploma-frame FAQ.

When checking a listing, distinguish among the document size it is designed to hold, the mat opening and the frame’s outside dimensions. They are different measurements. A mat opening may be slightly smaller than the paper to keep it in place; University Frames says its openings are 3/8 inch smaller than the listed size, a detail of that vendor’s system, not a universal framing rule. Ask the seller how the diploma is secured and whether its opening accommodates your exact dimensions.

What to compare when buying

Fit and mat opening

Look for a stated diploma size or opening that matches your measured document. If the listing describes a school-specific frame, verify that it is intended for the correct institution and diploma format. Do not choose by the outside frame dimensions alone.

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#1 Best Overall
upsimples Certificate Frame, 8.5 by 11 Diploma Frames, 1 Pack, Black
  • 【Great Material】This certificate frames 8.5 x 11 is well-made, lightweight, and includes a plastic cover. The certificate frame may safely and clearly show your priceless certificates while shielding them from moisture, dust, and scratches.
  • 【Vertical & Horizontal Display】The diploma frame may be hung on a wall or placed on a tabletop in horizontal and vertical orientations thanks to the saw-tooth hangers and kickstands. You are free to select how you wish.
  • 【Simple to Use】The document frame incorporates flip taps that make it simple to remove the back, making picture changes quick and hassle-free.
  • 【8.5 x 11 Frame】This frame is ideal for holding 8.5 x 11 inch prints, photos, credentials, diplomas, certificates, and degrees.
  • 【Nice Gift & Décor】The upsimples 8.5 by 11 picture frame is a thoughtful graduation gift. Besides, picture frames complement any office or home decor with their classic yet simple style.

Materials and glazing

Check the mat and backing materials, as well as the glazing options. University Frames says its mat and mount boards are acid- and lignin-free; it also says its standard glass blocks up to 45% of UV light and offers upgraded UV-protection and museum-quality glass. These are the vendor’s product claims, not independently verified comparative preservation results. If document protection is a priority, ask what the chosen product’s materials and glazing are designed to provide.

Appearance and customization

School-specific and custom frames may offer hardwood mouldings, different finishes and mat colors, official seals or logos, double mats, and—in some designs—a tassel display. University Frames describes these choices for its products, while Church Hill Classics offers custom diploma and certificate frames with moulding and matting selections. The options depend on the institution and product, so confirm what is available for the frame you are considering.

Rank #2
upsimples Diploma Frame 11x14, Wood Grain with Gold Beading, 1 Pack
  • Classic Wood Grain Design: This diploma frame features a realistic mahogany wood grain finish and gold beaded detail, creating a refined look for any certificate, degree, or document frame. And the recycled polystyrene is both environmentally friendly and durable, allowing your achievements to be preserved for a long time
  • Dual Mats for Flexible Display: The diploma frame comes with both a black and a gold mat, each 1.0mm thick. They not only provide stable support to keep your certificate securely in place, but also offer versatile display options. You can choose between a luxurious layered look or a clean, mat-free style
  • Fits 8.5x11 & 11x14 Diplomas: Designed as a frame 8.5 x 11 with mat or a frame 11x14 without mat. It can accommodate a wide range of items, including diplomas, certificates, licenses, pictures, and documents
  • Perfect Graduation Gift: An ideal college diploma frame, perfect for celebrating achievements. A meaningful frame for a diploma that looks great in offices, studies, or living rooms
  • Easy Wall Hanging: The document frame incorporates flip taps that make it simple to remove the back, making picture inserts quick and hassle-free. Easily hang on the wall using hanging hardware vertically or horizontally

Overall size and display space

A frame can be substantially larger than the document it holds, particularly when it includes a mat. For example, a University Frames University of Florida listing gives the diploma size as 11 3/4 × 16 inches and shows approximate overall frame dimensions around 19 × 22 inches for some designs, with other designs larger. That is an example for one school’s products, not a general diploma-size rule. Check the selected design’s outside dimensions against the wall or shelf where you plan to display it.

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Americanflat 11x14 Diploma Frame - Matted To 8.5x11 - Black
  • Every accomplishment deserves to be framed with elegance. Display your diplomas or certificates with these stunning black frames, designed to elevate your home or office and showcase your hard-earned success with pride.
  • Our 11x14 frame with classic molding is crafted from engineered wood and displays 11x14 documents or 8.5x11 documents with mat (actual mat size: 8x10.5"). The shatter-resistant glass adds a pristine finish, making this frame truly stand out.
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  • Why Choose Americanflat: Our expertly crafted decor, including this diploma frame, offers style and protects your cherished moments. Thoughtfully packaged for safe delivery, Americanflat combines quality and design to enhance any space.
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ELSKER&HOME 8.5x11 Certificate Frame Black with Black Mat Gold Rim
  • Scope of application: This product is suitable for 8.5x11 inch files with mat or 11x14 inch files without mat.Classic matte black frame, which can be used in office, living room, bedroom to display your certificates, diplomas, files,degrees, photos and images.
  • Material:With a smooth black frame finish and thick highly transparent polymer plate.making it safer and more transparent than glass and no easy to be fragile so that it will not cause potential damage to your body and certificates.
  • Features: Picture frame has Sturdy performance. With no fragile glass, it is a highly transparent polymer plate, making it safer and more transparent than glass and no easy to be fragile so that it will not cause potential damage to your body and certificates.
  • Package:Firm packaging can protect the document frame safely. Outside packaging is designed as a gift package with black letters on apricot background. The whole product can be a nice gift to yourself, your friends and families.
  • How to use: There is a rotary button on the back, which is easy to open and close. A 45-degree bracket on the back panel allows you to place it horizontally or vertically on the desk. Two hooks on the frame allow you to hang it on the wall horizontally or vertically. HD ACRYLIC PLATE:PLEASE CAREFULLY REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE FILM.
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upsimples Certificate Frame, 8.5 by 11 Glass Diploma Frames, 5 Pack, Black
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  • EASY MOUNTING: Spring type action to remove the backing, can be hung horizontally or vertically.
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Which purchase route makes sense?

  • General frame: A suitable ready-made frame can work if its stated document fit and mat opening match your diploma. Verify the opening rather than relying on the frame’s outside size.
  • School-specific diploma frame: This can offer institution branding and coordinated design. Confirm that the product is made for your school and document, and review its available materials and options.
  • Custom framing: A custom framer can size the opening to the document and help you choose moulding, matting and glazing. Ask for the dimensions and material specifications in writing before ordering.

Before you order

  1. Measure the diploma’s printed width and height, or obtain the dimensions from the issuing school.
  2. Compare those measurements with the listing’s document size and mat opening; ask the seller to clarify any ambiguity.
  3. Review the mat, backing and glazing specifications, especially if protection from light or material acidity matters to you.
  4. Check the specific frame’s outside dimensions and confirm school branding, customization, availability and current terms with the seller.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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