What is depth of field?

The distance between the nearest and farthest points that look acceptably sharp in a photo. It grows as you stop down, step back or use a shorter focal length.

What is the hyperfocal distance?

The closest focus distance at which everything from half that distance to infinity looks acceptably sharp. Focusing there gives a landscape the most depth of field.

Which circle of confusion does this calculator use?

The sensor diagonal divided by 1,500: 0.029 mm for full frame, 0.019 mm for APS-C 1.5×, 0.018 mm for APS-C 1.6×, 0.014 mm for Micro Four Thirds, 0.011 mm for 1-inch and 0.037 mm for 44 × 33 mm medium format. For large prints seen up close, enter a smaller value.

Does a smaller sensor give more depth of field?

At the same framing and f-number, yes: a smaller sensor needs a shorter focal length for the same view, and that gives more depth of field.

Free photo tools

Depth of field calculator

Pick your sensor, focal length, aperture and the distance you focus at to see how much of the scene will look sharp, and where to focus for the most depth of field.

Everything is worked out on your device: nothing is uploaded.

Work out the depth of field

Sensor

Focal length (mm)

Aperture (f-number)

Focus distance

Unit

Circle of confusion (mm)

Near limit: —
Far limit: —
Depth of field: —
Hyperfocal distance: —

How to use it

Choose your camera's sensor size. The circle of confusion fills in, and you can change it.
Enter the focal length marked on the lens (not its full-frame equivalent), the f-number and the focus distance in metres or feet.
Read the near and far limits, the total depth of field and the hyperfocal distance.

Questions

What is depth of field?: The distance between the nearest and farthest points that look acceptably sharp in a photo. It grows as you stop down, step back or use a shorter focal length.
What is the hyperfocal distance?: The closest focus distance at which everything from half that distance to infinity looks acceptably sharp. Focusing there gives a landscape the most depth of field.
Which circle of confusion does this calculator use?: The sensor diagonal divided by 1,500: 0.029 mm for full frame, 0.019 mm for APS-C 1.5×, 0.018 mm for APS-C 1.6×, 0.014 mm for Micro Four Thirds, 0.011 mm for 1-inch and 0.037 mm for 44 × 33 mm medium format. For large prints seen up close, enter a smaller value.
Does a smaller sensor give more depth of field?: At the same framing and f-number, yes: a smaller sensor needs a shorter focal length for the same view, and that gives more depth of field.