Depth of Field Calculator (Near, Far, Hyperfocal)
Enter the lens focal length, aperture, focus distance and your sensor.
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Depth of Field Calculator (Near, Far, Hyperfocal) by TheCalcTools
How the Depth of Field Calculator (Near, Far, Hyperfocal) works
Depth of field is the range of distances that look acceptably sharp. It depends on the aperture (smaller apertures, larger f-numbers, give more), the focal length, the focus distance and the circle of confusion, the largest blur that still looks sharp, which depends on sensor size.
Focusing at the hyperfocal distance H = f² ÷ (N c) + f makes everything from H/2 to infinity acceptably sharp, a classic landscape technique.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Focal length (mm) | 50 |
|---|---|
| Aperture (f-number) | 2.8 |
| Focus distance (m) | 3 |
| Sensor (circle of confusion) | Full frame (0.030 mm) |
- 50 mm at f/2.8 focused at 3 m on full frame: sharp from 2.729 m to 3.330 m.
- Depth of field 0.601 m; hyperfocal distance 29.81 m.
Result:
| Depth of field | 0.601 m |
|---|---|
| Near limit (m) | 2.729 |
| Far limit | 3.330 m |
| Hyperfocal distance (m) | 29.81 |
| In front of / behind the subject | 0.271 m / 0.330 m |
Frequently asked questions
Why is background blur easier with full frame?
For the same framing you use a longer lens or move closer, and the larger circle of confusion is outweighed, so depth of field is shallower.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.