Alpha Reproduction · Practical guide
You are looking for a 40 × 60 cm canvas and discover similar dimensions, sometimes expressed in inches. A few millimeters may seem negligible on a large wall, but become important in an existing frame or fitted niche. The commercial format, unit conversion and exterior dimension of the object do not always denote the same measurement. Here's how to read them without ordering a simply "almost equivalent" size.
1. Start by identifying unity and direction
Locate the symbol used: cm for centimeters, in or the double premium sign for inches. The order of the numbers also counts. A 20 × 16 inch format can be presented horizontally or vertically depending on the work; reversing the dimensions does not change their ratio, but changes the orientation of the rectangle on the wall.
A conversion does not transform a composition. If you compare a 3:2 photo and a 4:3 canvas, expressing both in centimeters does not solve the cropping. So start with the ratio and orientation, then compare the dimensions. Keep a note that indicates what measurement corresponds to the face, paper or framed object: it is this distinction that avoids bad equivalences.
2. Convert both sides without rounding too early
To change from inches to centimeters, multiply each side by 2.54. To return to inches, divide each side by 2.54. Keep the values unrounded during calculations, then round only the necessary display. For example, 16 × 24 inches gives 40.64 × 60.96 cm; 20 × 30 inches gives 40.64 × 60.96 cm; 20 × 30 inches gives 40.64 × 60.96 cm; 20 × 30 inches gives 40.64 × 60.96 cm; 20 × 30 inches gives 40.64 × 60.96 cm; 20 × 30 inches gives 40.64 × 6
These examples explain a conversion, not a list of formats offered for each Alpha work. Commercial wording may display a simplified value, while an assembly specification requires more precise measurement. If the fit is large, ask what physical dimension and tolerance apply to the reference. Do not turn a display rounding into a millimeter manufacturing guarantee.
| Example format | Conversion in centimeters | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 8 inches | 25.4 × 20.32 cm | A simplified display does not give an assembly tolerance |
| 20 × 16 inches | 50.8 × 40.64 cm | Can be presented around 51 × 41 cm |
| 16 × 24 inches | 40.64 × 60.96 cm | Not exactly a 40 × 60 cm format |
| 20 × 30 inches | 50.8 × 76.2 cm | Is not an exact 50 × 75 cm |
| Framed canvas | Add the characteristics of the chosen frame | Use the above all indicated for the complete object |
3. Read a real example of the Alpha Reproduction configurator
On the Surprise! by Henri Rousseau, the route observed on November 3, 2026 allows you to choose the display unit. For canvas on frames, the 51 × 41 cm selection is presented with the equivalence 20 × 16 inches. The exact calculation of this value in inches gives 50.8 × 40.64 cm; the metric display is therefore a rounded presentation of the commercial format.
The "More Sizes" button allows you to examine the options offered for the configuration concerned. The unit change is used to read dimensions differently; it does not create a custom size. The country of delivery, the work and the presentation can modify the available choices. Check the selection on the sheet rather than generalizing the list of a capture to the entire catalog.
4. Distinguish between printed side, rolled canvas and exterior dimensions
A rolled canvas, a canvas on a frame and an American box can have different commercial dimensions. In the observed example of Surprise!, a rolled configuration displays 50 × 40 cm, while a configuration on a frame offers 51 × 41 cm. These are two presentations to read according to their own characteristics; do not assume that they constitute the same object before and after a simple button change.
The frame adds yet another measurement. For the black American body observed around the 51 × 41 cm format, the configurator indicates 54.4 × 44.4 cm overall. This value is used to predict the size of the wall and remains specific to this frame profile. The theoretical calculation in inches, the wording of the face and the overall displayed therefore answer three different questions.
5. Check a frame already purchased before ordering the canvas
Measure the interior opening, rebate or useful mounting space depending on the frame type, as well as the depth compatible with the frame. The exterior dimension of the frame alone does not allow you to choose what will fit inside. A deviation of a few millimeters can prevent installation, even if the rounding appears identical on a store label.
Send Alpha Reproduction the useful measurements and a photo of the assembly if you wish to use an existing frame. Have compatibility and the product concerned confirmed before ordering. An American crate sold with a print is a set; it does not automatically constitute a single frame adaptable to a canvas held in your home. Avoid forcing or cutting a montage to compensate for a poorly understood size.
6. Prepare a specific size request
Write your need unambiguously: width and height, unit, orientation, desired visible dimension and external bulk constraint. Say whether you are starting from a free wall, niche or existing frame. Attach the ratio and pixels of the file if you provide your image. A very precise dimension requires feasibility verification, not just unit conversion.
In the Alpha catalog, choose an option that is actually available or request confirmation for a particular need. Keep the summary of the selection with its country and presentation. The pixel guide responds to the amount of information needed in the file; this guide responds to reading physical sizes. Use both controls without confusing image resolution and commercial dimension of the medium.
A concrete example
You have a frame advertised as 50 × 40 cm and are considering a 20 × 16 inch canvas. The calculation gives 50.8 × 40.64 cm, and the plug can display 51 × 41 cm. These close numbers do not prove that the canvas will fit in the frame. Measure the useful interior space and allowable thickness, then request confirmation of compatibility. If you order a canvas already framed for a free wall, start from the overall picture of the whole to test its place.
Check what dimension is announced before choosing the format
For each option, note the unit, width/height order, and what the measurement means: image, media, or exterior dimensions of the object. Do not confuse the size of a print with that of an added frame. A unit conversion alone does not explain a difference in size between two presentations.
To make a concrete comparison, open The Great Wave of Kanagawa on canvas on frame and The Great Wave in frameless paper printing. Note the options actually proposed in each presentation, without assuming that they have the same dimensions. For the paper, then add the size of the assembly and frame envisaged.
Before ordering for a specific location, measure the available space and indicate the exterior width not to be exceeded. If the project is to fit into an existing framework, communicate its useful measurements and request an assembly check; a simple inch equivalence does not validate compatibility.
For an ambiguous dimension or a personal project, contact Alpha Reproduction with the reference, presentation and measurements sought. Specify the visible dimension and that of the finished object before choosing a format or preparing the margins of the file.
Complete with choosing a non-standard dimension and compare Alpha Reproduction media.
Our offer: check the size and place of the edges
On our rolled canvas, the choices observed are white or black edge with a margin of 5 cm, or without edge and without margin; the size displayed includes the margin. The visible side after assembly is therefore not deduced from the commercial format alone. For the mounted canvas, check the selected edge and the framing on the sheet before validating.
Our prints use a finely textured 400 g/m² artistic canvas. The rolled version is without frame or frame. The canvas on frame is stretched by hand over 38 mm wood; the American box adds a wooden frame with a space of 5 mm around the canvas. The dimensions, edges, finishes and prices offered can be consulted depending on the work and the country of delivery.
Frequently asked questions
Is an inch still worth 2.54 cm?
Yes, the unit conversion uses exactly 2.54 cm per inch. However, this calculation does not specify what the seller measures in his product: printed side, support, chassis or framed assembly. Also check the object to which the dimension applies and the assembly conditions.
Does a 20 × 16 inch canvas fit into a 50 × 40 cm frame?
Not automatically. The conversion gives 50.8 × 40.64 cm, and compatibility depends on the actual aperture and depth of the frame. Ask for useful dimensions and tolerances before purchasing. A neighboring format name does not constitute proof that assembly will be possible.
Does changing the unit in the configurator change the canvas?
The selector observed at Alpha changes the way you read available formats. It does not transform an existing option into a custom dimension. Check the product summary and the presentation chosen, then have a specific need confirmed if no option corresponds to your constraints.
Why don't a rolled canvas and a stretched canvas have exactly the same format displayed?
The presentations correspond to their own references and commercial dimensions. The example observed at Alpha has similar but different sizes depending on the choice. Read the characteristics of each product and assembly needs; do not assume automatic equivalence between two configurator buttons.
Are the frame dimensions included in the canvas format?
It is necessary to distinguish the displayed format of the canvas and the size of the framed assembly. An American crate can display a complementary overall. Use this value for the wall and request mounting measurements for an existing frame, rather than applying a generic margin.
Does the number of DPI allow us to know the exact physical dimension?
The resolution links pixels and image size to a given value, but does not define all product characteristics. The edges, reservations and framing are verified separately. The commercial format chosen remains to be confirmed with the specifications of the chosen presentation.
What to communicate for a niche with strict dimensions?
Indicate width, height, depth and available installation margin, specifying that this is an external constraint. Add the reference of the work and the planned presentation. Have feasibility and tolerances confirmed; don't order only from a rounding in centimeters or a simulation.
To go further
- The pixels needed depending on the format
- Prepare a non-standard dimension
- Measuring an American crate
- Order a print from Alpha Reproduction
- Calculate the exterior dimensions of an American crate
- Send a large file for printing
- Prepare an HDR smartphone photo for the web
- Print an old map or plan on canvas
Sources and verification
Guide verified on November 3, 2026. Options, prices and instructions depend on the reference and destination. Captures document the site as of this date; they do not represent a delivered order or a rendering test.
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