Depth of Field Calculator
Find the near and far limits of sharp focus, total depth of field and hyperfocal distance from focal length, f-number, distance and sensor size.
Thin-lens approximation with distances measured from the lens. Close-up and macro work (subject within about 10× the focal length) needs the magnification-based formulas.
The circle of confusion assumes an 8 × 10 in print viewed at about 25 cm; pixel-peeping on a high-resolution screen calls for a smaller value.
| Aperture | Near limit | Far limit | Total | Hyperfocal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 2.86 m | 3.16 m | 0.3 m | 59.57 m |
| f/2 | 2.8 m | 3.23 m | 0.43 m | 41.72 m |
| f/2.8 | 2.73 m | 3.33 m | 0.6 m | 29.81 m |
| f/4 | 2.63 m | 3.5 m | 0.87 m | 20.88 m |
| f/5.6 | 2.5 m | 3.74 m | 1.24 m | 14.93 m |
| f/8 ← | 2.34 m | 4.19 m | 1.85 m | 10.47 m |
| f/11 | 2.16 m | 4.91 m | 2.75 m | 7.63 m |
| f/16 | 1.92 m | 6.92 m | 5 m | 5.26 m |
| f/22 | 1.69 m | 13.56 m | 11.88 m | 3.84 m |
Depth of field is the zone in front of and behind your subject that still looks sharp in the photo. A wide aperture and close focus make it shallow for portraits with blurred backgrounds; a small aperture and wide lens make it deep for landscapes. This calculator gives the near and far limits, the total depth, how much lies in front of and behind the subject, and the hyperfocal distance. A table shows the same distance at every full stop from f/1.4 to f/22.
How to use this tool
- Enter the real focal length of the lens and the f-number.
- Enter the distance to the subject in metres or feet.
- Choose your camera's sensor size, which sets the circle of confusion.
- Read the near and far limits, and compare apertures in the table.
Formula
H = f² ÷ (N × c) + f · near = s (H − f) ÷ (H + s − 2f) · far = s (H − f) ÷ (H − s), infinite when s ≥ H
f is the focal length, N the f-number, c the circle of confusion and s the subject distance, all in millimetres. c is the largest blur spot still seen as a point: about 1/1440 of the sensor diagonal, so 0.030 mm for full frame. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance H makes everything from H ÷ 2 to infinity acceptably sharp. These are the standard thin-lens formulas, accurate for normal shooting distances.
Example
A 50 mm lens at f/8, focused at 3 m on full frame (c = 0.030 mm): H = 50² ÷ (8 × 0.03) + 50 = 10.47 m. Near limit = 3000 × 10,416.7 ÷ 13,366.7 = 2.34 m, far limit = 3000 × 10,416.7 ÷ 7,466.7 = 4.19 m, so about 1.85 m is sharp: 0.66 m in front of the subject and 1.19 m behind it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a smaller sensor give more depth of field?
For the same framing it needs a shorter focal length, and the shorter lens gives more depth even though the circle of confusion is smaller. At the same focal length and distance, a smaller sensor actually gives less depth.
Should I enter the full-frame equivalent focal length?
No. Enter the focal length printed on the lens (for example 25 mm on Micro Four Thirds) and choose the matching sensor size.
Why is more in focus behind the subject than in front?
Sharpness falls off more slowly with distance, so roughly one third of the depth lies in front and two thirds behind at normal distances. Close up, the split approaches half and half.
Last updated:
Page address with these inputs: https://kakao.mobile/tools/depth-of-field-calculator/
Cite or embed this tool
kakaoCalc. (2026, November 8). Depth of Field Calculator. https://kakao.mobile/tools/depth-of-field-calculator/
“Depth of Field Calculator.” kakaoCalc, 8 Nov. 2026, kakao.mobile/tools/depth-of-field-calculator/.
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