Security Camera Coverage Area Calculator
Calculate the coverage area of a security camera based on its horizontal field of view (FOV) angle and maximum detection range.
Typical cameras: 60°–120°. Wide-angle: up to 180°.
Maximum effective detection distance from the camera.
Total number of cameras with the same specifications.
Recommended 10–20% overlap to eliminate blind spots.
Formulas Used
Single Camera Coverage Area (Circular Sector):
A = (θ / 360) × π × r² ≡ ½ × θrad × r²
where θ = horizontal FOV (degrees), r = detection range (m)
Arc Width at Maximum Range:
Arc = r × θrad
Chord Width at Maximum Range:
Chord = 2 × r × sin(θ / 2)
Sector Perimeter:
P = 2r + Arc
Effective Total Coverage (N cameras with overlap %):
Aeff = Asingle + (N − 1) × Asingle × (1 − overlap/100)
Assumptions & References
- The camera's coverage zone is modelled as a circular sector (flat, 2-D plane) — ideal for overhead planning layouts.
- Detection range is the maximum effective distance; actual usable range for identification is typically 30–50% of this value.
- Horizontal FOV is the primary coverage driver; vertical FOV and mounting height are not included in this 2-D model.
- Overlap percentage reduces the marginal new area contributed by each additional camera beyond the first.
- A 10–20% overlap is recommended by security standards (IEC 62676, EN 50132) to eliminate blind spots between adjacent cameras.
- Wide-angle lenses (FOV > 120°) may introduce barrel distortion, reducing effective edge-of-frame resolution.
- Formula reference: Circular sector area — A = ½r²θ (ISO 80000-2 geometry conventions).