Depth of Field Calculator
Calculate the near limit, far limit, and total depth of field based on lens focal length, aperture, subject distance, and circle of confusion.
Common values: Full-frame 0.029 mm, APS-C 0.019 mm, Micro 4/3 0.015 mm
Results will appear here.
Formulas Used
Hyperfocal Distance (H):
H = f² / (N × c) + f
Near Limit of Depth of Field (Dnear):
Dnear = s × (H − f) / (H + s − 2f)
Far Limit of Depth of Field (Dfar):
Dfar = s × (H − f) / (H − s) [∞ when s ≥ H]
Total Depth of Field (DoF):
DoF = Dfar − Dnear
Where: f = focal length (mm), N = aperture f-number, c = circle of confusion (mm), s = subject distance (mm).
Assumptions & References
- The circle of confusion (CoC) is the maximum acceptable blur spot diameter on the sensor. It depends on sensor size and intended output/viewing conditions.
- Typical CoC values: Full-frame 35mm = 0.029 mm; APS-C = 0.019 mm; Micro Four Thirds = 0.015 mm; Medium Format 645 = 0.047 mm.
- The hyperfocal distance is the closest focusing distance at which objects at infinity are acceptably sharp. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance maximises depth of field.
- When subject distance equals or exceeds the hyperfocal distance, the far limit of DoF extends to infinity.
- Formulas are based on the thin lens model and geometric optics. They do not account for diffraction, lens aberrations, or focus breathing.
- Reference: Sidney F. Ray, Applied Photographic Optics, 3rd ed., Focal Press, 2002.
- Reference: Leslie Stroebel, View Camera Technique, 7th ed., Focal Press, 1999.