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DIY Cost Tools

DIY Cost Tools

Picture Frame Molding Calculator

Estimate molding and whole sticks for equal-size rectangular picture frames.

Whole number from 1 to 1000 frames.
Number from 1 to 120 in.
Number from 1 to 120 in.
Number from 0 to 12 in.
Number from 0 to 100 %.
Number from 1 to 30 ft.

Enter values in the units shown. Empty fields, fractions, comma-formatted numbers, values outside the listed ranges, and non-finite values are rejected.

Molding length
Whole sticks

How to use this calculator

  1. Measure the project or enter costs from a current quote or product label.
  2. Adjust the quantities, coverage, package size, and allowances to match your situation.
  3. Select Calculate, then check the method, worked example, and limitations below.

Formula and method

Outer perimeter = 2 × (inside width + inside height + 4 × face width). Multiply by frames, convert inches to feet, and add waste; round sticks up.

Whole packages and pieces are rounded up. Results disappear when an input changes until the new values are calculated.

Worked example

Frames 6 frames; Inside width 16 in; Inside height 20 in; Molding face width 1.5 in; Cutting waste 20 %; Stick length 8 ft. Results: Molding length 50.4 ft; Whole sticks 7 sticks.

The example uses the values initially displayed in the fields.

Limitations

Profile geometry, miter orientation, knots, and cut optimization can change usable lengths. Confirm measured dimensions.

Review and reference

Reviewed October 5, 2026. The default example, input boundaries, arithmetic, rounding, and invalid input behavior were checked. The method is explained on How Our Calculators Work; replace example inputs with measurements or current product specifications. This is a planning estimate.

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