Depth of Field Calculator
Near and far limits of sharpness, the total depth of field and the hyperfocal distance.
Results
What this tool does
Focusing at the hyperfocal distance puts everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp, which is the oldest trick in landscape photography and still the most useful. Note that depth of field is not symmetrical: roughly a third lies in front of the subject and two thirds behind, and the far limit runs away to infinity as the subject approaches the hyperfocal distance.
Formula
H = f² ÷ (N c) + f ; near = Hs ÷ (H+s−f) ; far = Hs ÷ (H−s+f)
Variables
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
fl | Focal length | mm |
ap | Aperture | f/ |
ds | Distance to the subject | m |
cc | Circle of confusion | mm |
DF | Depth of field | m |
HY | Hyperfocal distance | m |
NE | Near limit of sharpness | m |
FA | Far limit of sharpness | m |
Worked example
- Focal length50 mm
- Aperture8 f/
- Distance to the subject3 m
- Circle of confusion0.029 mm
- Depth of field1.7661 m
- Hyperfocal distance10.8259 m
- Near limit of sharpness2.3576 m
- Far limit of sharpness4.1237 m
Limitations
- The result is an estimate based only on the values you type. Real situations often include factors this calculator does not know about.
- The default values are typical reference figures, not measurements of your situation. Replace them with your own data whenever you have it.
- The formula assumes ideal conditions: no friction losses, no air resistance and no efficiency losses unless you enter them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the circle of confusion?
The largest blur spot that still looks like a point in the finished picture. It is not a property of the lens but of how the image will be viewed, so it depends on sensor size, print size and viewing distance. The usual values are about 0.029 mm for full frame, 0.019 mm for APS-C and 0.015 mm for micro four thirds — all derived from the same assumption of an eight by ten inch print seen from a foot away.