What Are The Standard Canvas Sizes For Painting?

Common canvas sizes

Most artists prefer to work on a rectangular shaped medium size canvas. They are also great for beginners because they are big enough to practice with but not big enough to be intimidating.

Standard canvas sizes include:

• 8″x10″
• 9″x12″
• 11″x14″
• 12″x16″

Small canvas sizes

Small canvases can be used for miniature paintings or for making paintings that can be turning into cards, stationary, etc.

The smallest canvas size that I have seen in person was 2″x2″. Obviously you will need tremendous accuracy and skill to work on one of these canvases.

However, some more commonly used small sized canvases include:

• 4″x6″
• 5″x7″

Large canvas sizes

As your skill as a painter increases, the size of the canvas you work on will probably also increase. These large painting canvas sizes are great for create artwork that, for example, will be the centerpiece of a living room.

The common canvas sizes that professional artist like to use include:

• 18″x24″
• 20″x24″
• 24″x36″
• 30″x40″
• 36″x48″

Square canvas sizes

Although less common than the rectangular shape, square canvases are also frequently used. Especially for creating series of several smaller square canvases that can be displayed side by side.

Common sizes from small to large include:

• 5″x5″
• 6″x6″
• 8″x8″
• 10″x10″
• 12″x12″
• 20″x20″

Canvas sizes chart

Besides the canvas sizes mentioned above, there are many more canvas sizes that you can choose from. For reference you can find a canvas size chart by clicking here.

And if you get in contact with the manufacturer and willing to put in a big order, you might sometimes even be able to get custom sized canvases.

How to choose a canvas?

Choosing a canvas of the right size is crucial. However, the quality of a canvas can change a lot depending on the material it is made from and how it has been primed.

If you want to know more about choosing a canvas, try reading our article on the best canvas for acrylic painting.