Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator works
Pixel pitch = sensor width ÷ pixel count. The Airy disk diameter is 2.44 × wavelength × f-number. Once it spans more than about two pixels, extra stopping down visibly softens the image. Green light at 550 nm is the standard reference. Smaller pixels reach the diffraction limit at wider apertures, so a 60 MP sensor softens sooner than a 24 MP one. Example: A 36 mm wide sensor with 6000 px has a 6 µm pitch, and diffraction becomes noticeable beyond roughly f/8.9.
Inputs and results
The Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator takes 4 inputs and gives 4 results.
What you enter
- Sensor width (mm) — starts at 36.
- Horizontal resolution (px) — starts at 6000.
- Light wavelength (nm) — starts at 550.
- Aperture you plan to use (f/) — starts at 8.
What you get
- Pixel pitch (µm)
- Diffraction starts to limit at about f/
- Airy disk at your aperture (µm)
- Airy disk size in pixels
Example: Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator with the starting values
With sensor width 36 mm, horizontal resolution 6000 px, light wavelength 550 nm and aperture you plan to use 8 f/, the calculator returns:
| Pixel pitch (µm) | 6 |
|---|---|
| Diffraction starts to limit at about f/ | 8.9 |
| Airy disk at your aperture (µm) | 10.7 |
| Airy disk size in pixels | 1.8 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator?
Enter sensor width, horizontal resolution, light wavelength and aperture you plan to use in the fields, then read pixel pitch (µm), diffraction starts to limit at about f/, airy disk at your aperture (µm) and airy disk size in pixels 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 Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator calculate?
Pixel size and the aperture where diffraction starts to soften images. It returns pixel pitch (µm), diffraction starts to limit at about f/, airy disk at your aperture (µm) and airy disk size in pixels from the 4 values you provide.
What values does the Pixel Pitch and Diffraction Calculator start with?
It opens with sensor width 36 mm, horizontal resolution 6000 px, light wavelength 550 nm and aperture you plan to use 8 f/ 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 Pixel Pitch and Diffraction 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 Pixel Pitch and Diffraction 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.