RevenueLab.fyi
Revenue Rex logo mark
🧰 Other · Rex's Toolbox

Depth of Field Calculator

Near limit, far limit, and total depth for your lens and sensor.

Revenue Rex peeking

Rex says

Everyday utility math — the kind you'd otherwise pull up four browser tabs for. I keep it to one clean answer.

Try a scenario

Click to load — tweak from there.

Inputs

Result

Total depth of field (ft)

1.962894851511077

Near limit (ft)

9.11

Far limit (ft)

11.076860956522415

Hyperfocal distance (ft)

101.18

Sharp in front of subject (ft)

0.89

Sharp behind subject (ft)

1.0768609565224156

Revenue Rex peeking

Psst — share this and help Rex grow

One click, a permanent link with your numbers baked in.

More other

How to use this

  1. 1Enter focal length (mm).
  2. 2Enter aperture (f-number).
  3. 3Enter focus distance (ft).
  4. 4Enter sensor format.
  5. 5Read your total depth of field (ft) on the right — it updates as you type.
  6. 6Hit Share to keep the scenario or send it to someone.

About this calculator

Depth of field depends on focal length, aperture, focus distance, and the circle of confusion for your sensor size. Knowing the hyperfocal distance lets you keep an entire landscape sharp without stopping down further than you need.

FormulaHyperfocal H = f²/(N × c) + f; near = H·s/(H + s − f); far = H·s/(H − s + f).

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with:

Inputs

  • Focal length: 50 mm
  • Aperture (f-number): 2.8
  • Focus distance: 10 ft
  • Sensor format: Full frame (c = 0.029 mm)

Results

  • Total depth of field (ft): 1.96
  • Near limit (ft): 9.11
  • Far limit (ft): 11.08
  • Hyperfocal distance (ft): 101.18
  • Sharp in front of subject (ft): 0.89
  • Sharp behind subject (ft): 1.08

What each field means

Inputs

Focal length (mm)
The focal length used in the calculation, measured in mm. Starts at 50 mm so you have a working example on load.
Aperture (f-number)
The aperture (f-number) used in the calculation. Starts at 2.8 so you have a working example on load.
Focus distance (ft)
The focus distance used in the calculation, measured in ft. Starts at 10 ft so you have a working example on load.
Sensor format
Pick the option that matches your situation — the maths changes per option. Choices: Full frame (c = 0.029 mm), APS-C (c = 0.019 mm), Micro Four Thirds (c = 0.015 mm), Medium format 44×33 (c = 0.037 mm).

Results

Total depth of field (ft)
Returned as a plain value and shown as the headline result. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
Near limit (ft)
Returned as a decimal number. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
Far limit (ft)
Returned as a plain value. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
Hyperfocal distance (ft)
Returned as a decimal number. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
Sharp in front of subject (ft)
Returned as a decimal number. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.
Sharp behind subject (ft)
Returned as a plain value. It recalculates instantly whenever you change an input, so you can compare scenarios without reloading.

FAQ

Is depth of field always one-third front, two-thirds back?

Only at moderate distances. Up close it approaches an even split; near the hyperfocal distance the far limit runs to infinity, so the ratio breaks down entirely.

Why does sensor size change the result?

Smaller sensors are enlarged more to reach the same print size, so a smaller blur circle is acceptable. That tighter circle of confusion is why a Micro Four Thirds shot at f/2.8 looks deeper than full frame at f/2.8.

Accuracy and limitations

  • Estimates assume standard, average conditions — local rules, pricing, and materials vary.
  • Results are rounded for readability; add a buffer before ordering, booking, or committing.
  • Double-check anything with a real cost attached against a local quote.

Related tools

Field of View Calculator

Angle of view and framed subject size at any distance.

Exposure Value (EV) Calculator

EV from aperture, shutter, and ISO — plus equivalent settings.

Cite this calculator

Writing about this topic? Grab a citation — every link helps keep these tools free.

APA
RevenueLab. (2026). Depth of Field Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/depth-of-field
HTML
<p>Source: <a href="https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/depth-of-field" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Depth of Field Calculator — RevenueLab</a> (2026).</p>
Markdown
Source: [Depth of Field Calculator — RevenueLab](https://www.revenuelab.fyi/toolbox/depth-of-field) (2026).
Advertisement