Depth of Field Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Depth of Field Calculator works
The hyperfocal distance is H = f² ÷ (N × c) + f. Near limit = s(H − f) ÷ (H + s − 2f) and far limit = s(H − f) ÷ (H − s). When the focus distance reaches H, the far limit becomes infinity and shows as a dash. A circle of confusion of 0.03 mm suits full frame, 0.02 mm suits APS-C, and 0.015 mm suits Micro Four Thirds. Example: A 50 mm lens at f/2.8 focused at 3 m is sharp from 2.73 m to 3.33 m, a depth of field of 0.6 m.
Inputs and results
The Depth of Field Calculator takes 4 inputs and gives 4 results.
What you enter
- Focal length (mm) — starts at 50.
- Aperture (f-number) (f/) — starts at 2.8.
- Focus distance (m) — starts at 3.
- Circle of confusion (mm) — starts at 0.03.
What you get
- Near limit of sharpness (m)
- Far limit of sharpness (m)
- Total depth of field (m)
- Hyperfocal distance (m)
Example: Depth of Field Calculator with the starting values
With focal length 50 mm, aperture (f-number) 2.8 f/, focus distance 3 m and circle of confusion 0.03 mm, the calculator returns:
| Near limit of sharpness (m) | 2.73 |
|---|---|
| Far limit of sharpness (m) | 3.33 |
| Total depth of field (m) | 0.6 |
| Hyperfocal distance (m) | 29.81 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Depth of Field Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Depth of Field Calculator?
Enter focal length, aperture (f-number), focus distance and circle of confusion in the fields, then read near limit of sharpness (m), far limit of sharpness (m), total depth of field (m) and hyperfocal distance (m) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Depth of Field Calculator calculate?
Near and far limits of acceptable sharpness for any lens setup. It returns near limit of sharpness (m), far limit of sharpness (m), total depth of field (m) and hyperfocal distance (m) from the 4 values you provide.
What values does the Depth of Field Calculator start with?
It opens with focal length 50 mm, aperture (f-number) 2.8 f/, focus distance 3 m and circle of confusion 0.03 mm so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Depth of Field Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Depth of Field Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.