Depth of field calculator
Find the hyperfocal distance and how much of your scene will be sharp.
About this tool
Depth of field is the zone in front of and behind your focus point that still looks acceptably sharp. Enter your focal length, aperture, subject distance and film format, and this tool returns the hyperfocal distance plus the near and far limits of sharpness. It helps you decide where to focus and which aperture keeps a scene sharp.
How to use it
- Choose your film format so the correct circle of confusion is used.
- Enter the lens focal length in millimetres and the working aperture (f-number).
- Enter the subject distance, then read the hyperfocal distance and the near and far sharp limits.
FAQ
What is hyperfocal distance?
It is the closest focus distance at which everything from half that distance to infinity appears acceptably sharp. Focusing there maximises depth of field for a given focal length and aperture.
Why does film format change the result?
Larger formats use a larger circle of confusion and, for the same angle of view, longer lenses. Both factors reduce depth of field, so medium and large format show shallower results than 35mm at matching framing.