Find out exactly what will be sharp. Enter your sensor, focal length, aperture and focus distance to get the near and far limits of acceptable sharpness, the total depth of field and the hyperfocal distance.
The DoF bar shows the sharp zone to scale, and every camera page in our database links here with its sensor preset.
Formulas
Hyperfocal distance H = f² ÷ (N × c) + f. Near limit = s(H − f) ÷ (H + s − 2f). Far limit = s(H − f) ÷ (H − s), or infinity when s ≥ H. Here f is the focal length, N the f-number, c the circle of confusion and s the focus distance (all in mm).
Tips
- For landscapes, f/8–f/11 on full frame balances depth of field and diffraction.
- Focus a third of the way into the scene only as a rough guide — the calculator shows the real split in front of and behind the subject.
- When the far limit must be infinity, focus at the hyperfocal distance or focus-stack for very close foregrounds.
- Smaller sensors give more depth of field at the same framing and f-number.
FAQ
What circle of confusion should I use?
0.030 mm for full frame, about 0.020 mm for APS-C and 0.015 mm for Micro Four Thirds. Use a smaller value (e.g. 0.020 on full frame) if you print large or pixel-peep.
Does depth of field depend on the sensor?
Yes, through the circle of confusion: at the same framing, a smaller sensor gives more depth of field at the same f-number.
Related tools
Hyperfocal Distance CalculatorCrop Factor CalculatorField of View CalculatorFocus Stacking CalculatorDiffraction Limit CalculatorFlash Guide Number CalculatorTeleconverter CalculatorExtension Tube Magnification CalculatorMacro Effective Aperture & DoF CalculatorFocal Length From Field of View
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