Do you know how to choose the right canvas size and dimensions? This is a subject that often raises more questions than answers when it comes to purchasing or installing canvas. The possibilities are vast, and the variety can be overwhelming.
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Format-System für deine Leinwand
There is a wide range of sizes, including standardised and universal formats.
This coding system was created in France in the 19th century to facilitate mass production. In this system, each number corresponds to a canvas size with specific dimensions. The numbers range from 0 to 120 and are followed by a letter indicating the size.
Although measurements may vary slightly from one brand to another, almost all manufacturers offer at least three formats:
- The Landscape (P): format is the name given to the Door of Harmony, which has a length to width ratio of 1.5:1. This horizontal rectangular canvas is frequently used for landscape scenes, graphic representations of nature, and balanced compositions.
- Marine (M): format is one of the classic formats, known as the Golden Ratio, with an approximate value of 1.61. A symbol of perfection and beauty, it is used for horizontal paintings and panoramic presentations. It gets its name from the paintings of the old masters, who often depicted seascapes in this format.
- The Figure (F): format, also known as the Golden Rectangle, has a short side that is the Golden Ratio. This format is particularly suited to harmonious compositions and is usually used in a vertical orientation for portraits.
When reading the measurements, one side is always the same size, while the other decreases. For example, 40F measures 100 x 81 cm, 40P measures 100 x 73 cm and 40M measures 100 x 65 cm. The height is typically noted first.
Some examples and uses of universal canvases
Below you can see some examples and uses of canvases available according to what we have explained. For a more complete guide, we have provided a PDF with all the detailed measurements.
In addition to the three universal formats — square, rectangular and oval — many other shapes have emerged due to specific needs and trends, such as round.
To convey the artist's intended message, it is essential to choose the appropriate format and proportions of the canvas for each work.
How do I determine the size I need?
The size of the project depends entirely on your personal preference and what you find most comfortable. However, you can, of course, use the table of formats and proportions of other works for inspiration.
If you are buying a canvas or a pre-stretched frame, you only need to know the measurements that best suit your needs.
If you would prefer to buy lintels and stretchers to assemble your own frame, there are a few things to consider:
- There are frames without crossbars.
- However, crossbars are useful for adding tension and providing extra security: we recommend adding one crossbar for frames measuring 30 cm or more, and two crossbars for frames measuring 80 cm or more.
- The installation of crossbars also influences your choice of lintels, as these will need to have holes in order to be assembled. You will therefore need to choose slats with as many holes as you require crossbars.
For example, if we are going to assemble a 100 x 120 cm horizontal frame, we will need:
- Two 100 cm lintels with 2T (two holes per stretcher)
- Two 120 cm lintels
- Two 100 cm stretchers.
Other nomenclatures can be found with expressions such as '1/3' or '1/2'. These refer to the number of holes for the crossbars. The 1/3 nomenclature has two holes, whereas the ½ nomenclature has only one. However, depending on the brand or range, this may also refer to the cross-section, i.e. the width.
Many also have universal section measurements, but there may be variations in some cases, such as these.
These variations may be related to the proportion or type of reinforcement required for certain frame sizes:
- 1/3: Designed for relatively small frames or frames with moderate reinforcement.
- 1/2: Designed for larger frames or those requiring greater strength and rigidity.
3D canvases are also available, with slats measuring 3 cm or more in thickness.
The required amount of fabric will depend on the thickness; make sure you have enough to leave margins for stapling.
With this in mind, it is recommended that you allow a margin of 5–6 cm on each side of the canvas to enable you to stretch and staple it at the back. However, you may wish to allow an additional 15–30 cm to ensure you have enough fabric. Any excess can be cut off and kept in case you need to make repairs in the future.
In any case, it is advisable to consult the specific measurement chart of each manufacturer to find out the exact millimetres or centimetres for each profile, as many designations are internal codes rather than literal fractions or units of measurement.
If you need more information about canvases, don't miss our article ‘How to prepare your canvas’.
