Depth of Field Calculator : Formula and Examples

Depth of Field Calculator

To calculate depth of field, enter the lens focal length in millimeters (e.g., 50mm), enter the aperture value (e.g., f/1.8). Enter the distance from the camera to the subject in meters or feet.

Choose your camera’s sensor size to account for the Circle of Confusion.

The calculator computes the hyperfocal distance, near focus limit, far focus limit, and total depth of field.

Formula for Depth of Field

The depth of field calculations use the following advanced formulas:

H = (f^2) / (N × CoC) + f

Where:

H: Hyperfocal distance
f: Focal length (mm)
N: Aperture (f-number)
CoC: Circle of Confusion (mm)

Near point = (s × f²) / (f² + Nc(s - f)) 
Far point = (s × f²) / (f² - Nc(s - f))

Where:

s = focus distance
f = focal length
N = f-number (aperture)
c = circle of confusion

Near Focus Limit:

D_near = (H × D) / (H + (D - f))

Where:

D_near: Near focus distance
H: Hyperfocal distance
D: Distance to subject

Far Focus Limit:

D_far = (H × D) / (H - (D - f))

If D_far is infinite, the far focus extends beyond measurable distances.

Depth of Field:

DOF = D_far - D_near

How to Calculate Depth of Field?

Determine your parameters: Measure your subject distance, Note your lens focal length, Set your desired aperture value, Know your camera’s circle of confusion
Apply the formula: Calculate the near focus point, Calculate the far focus point, The difference between these points is your total depth of field
Consider the hyperfocal distance when needed for landscape photography

Portrait Photography:

Lens: 85mm
Aperture: f/1.8
Focus distance: 6 feet
Result: DOF = 0.3 feet (3.6 inches)

Landscape Photography:

Lens: 24mm
Aperture: f/11
Focus distance: 15 feet
Result: DOF = 20 feet

Macro Photography:

Lens: 100mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Focus distance: 1 foot
Result: DOF = 0.1 inches

Street Photography:

Lens: 35mm
Aperture: f/8
Focus distance: 8 feet
Result: DOF = 4 feet

Architecture Photography:

Lens: 16mm
Aperture: f/16
Focus distance: 20 feet
Result: DOF = 40 feet

What is Depth of Field?

Depth of field represents the zone of sharpness in a photograph, extending from the nearest sharp object to the farthest sharp object.

Aperture size: Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) increase depth of field

Focal length: Wider lenses generally provide greater depth of field

Focus distance: Greater subject distances increase depth of field

Depth of Field Calculator : Formula and Examples