Circle of Confusion
CoC is the largest blur circle we still accept as sharp. This tool uses the rule CoC = sensor diagonal ÷ 1500 (mm). Bigger sensor → larger CoC for the same viewing standard.
Depth of Field (DoF) Calculator
Calculate depth of field for your camera settings.
By Jeff Beem
Updated
01
Lens
02
Subject distance
03
Sensor
Results
Total depth of field
1.66 m
Near limit4.30 m
Far limit5.96 m
Hyperfocal30.95 m
Circle of confusion0.0288 mm
Information hub
The Circle of Confusion (CoC)
The Circle of Confusion is the largest blur circle that our eyes still perceive as a sharp point. Points outside the depth of field form circles on the sensor; once that circle exceeds the CoC, we see them as soft. This calculator uses CoC = sensor diagonal ÷ 1500, so larger sensors use a larger CoC and thus a deeper apparent DoF at the same print size.
Sensor size impact
At the same effective focal length and f-stop, a full frame sensor has a shallower depth of field than a crop (e.g. APS-C) sensor. If you want more background blur, full frame helps; if you want more of the scene sharp, a crop sensor gives you more DoF at equivalent framing.
Macro warning
As you focus very close (macro photography), depth of field becomes paper-thin, often only millimetres. A single shot usually can't keep the whole subject sharp. Focus stacking (several shots at different focus distances, merged in software) is the standard way to get a fully sharp macro image.
Hyperfocal distance
Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity falls within the depth of field. Landscape photographers use this to maximise sharpness across the frame, set your focus point to the hyperfocal distance shown in the results and stop down to f/8–f/11 for the sharpest zone from foreground to horizon.
Depth of field and sharpness
What actually controls how much of your image stays sharp, and how this calculator turns that into numbers you can use in the field.
Key ideas
Sensor size
Full frame gives shallower DoF than crop at the same effective focal length and f-stop. Crop sensors often give more “everything sharp” at the cost of more background in focus.
Near and far limits
DoF is the band in front of and behind your focus point that still looks sharp. The calculator gives you the near and far distances so you know exactly what’s in that band.
Hyperfocal
Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity stays acceptably sharp. Useful when you want maximum sharp range without guessing.
Macro and focus stacking
Close-up DoF is paper-thin. For a fully sharp macro shot, take several frames at different focus distances and merge them in software (focus stacking).
Custom sensor
If your camera isn’t in the presets, pick Custom and enter the sensor diagonal in mm from the spec sheet or DxOMark. The calculator does the rest.
Depth of Field (DoF) Calculator
Get near limit, far limit, total depth of field, and hyperfocal distance. Focal length, aperture, subject distance, and sensor size. Free DoF calculator for photography.
How the Math Works
Depth of field depends on focal length, aperture, subject distance, and the Circle of Confusion. The calculator first determines the hyperfocal distance:
where f is focal length (mm), N is the f-number, and c is CoC (sensor diagonal ÷ 1500, in mm). Near and far limits of acceptable sharpness then follow:
- f (Focal length):Lens focal length in millimeters
- N (F-number):Aperture setting, e.g. 2.8, 5.6, 11
- s (Subject distance):Distance from camera to subject in mm (converted from meters or feet)
- c (CoC):Circle of Confusion = sensor diagonal ÷ 1500
Worked example: 50 mm lens at f/2.8, subject at 3 m, full-frame sensor (diagonal 43.27 mm).
- CoC = 43.27 ÷ 1 500 = 0.0288 mm
- H = 50² / (2.8 × 0.0288) + 50 ≈ 31 049 mm (31.0 m)
- Dn ≈ 2.74 m, Df ≈ 3.32 m
- Total DoF = 3.32 − 2.74 = 0.58 m (58 cm)
When the subject distance equals or exceeds H, Df becomes infinity—everything from Dn outward is acceptably sharp.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your lens focal length in millimeters (e.g., 50 mm for a standard prime). Select your aperture from the f-stop dropdown—wider apertures like f/1.8 produce shallower depth of field, while narrower settings like f/11 keep more of the scene sharp. Type the distance to your subject in meters or feet. Choose a sensor-size preset (Full Frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, Medium Format) or select Custom and enter the sensor diagonal in mm from your camera’s spec sheet. The results display the near limit, far limit, total depth of field, and hyperfocal distance. Use the near and far limits to judge whether your subject will be fully sharp, and focus at the hyperfocal distance when you want maximum sharpness from foreground to infinity in landscapes.
What this calculator does
This depth of field calculator gives you the near limit, far limit, total DoF, and hyperfocal distance for your settings. Enter focal length (mm), aperture (f-stop), subject distance (meters or feet), and camera sensor (presets including full frame and medium format, or custom diagonal). It uses the standard Circle of Confusion rule and shows results in the same units you chose for distance. Use it to plan portraits, landscapes, or macro so you know how much will stay sharp.
Circle of Confusion and sensor size
The Circle of Confusion is the largest blur circle that still reads as sharp. This tool uses (diagonal in mm). A full frame sensor has a larger diagonal than a crop sensor, so at the same effective focal length and f-stop you get a larger CoC and shallower depth of field, more background blur. Crop sensors give more DoF at equivalent framing. If you’re chasing blur, full frame helps; if you want more of the scene sharp, crop often gives you that.
Hyperfocal distance and macro
Focus at the hyperfocal distance and everything from half that distance to infinity stays acceptably sharp, handy for landscape and street when you don’t want to focus at infinity. At macro distances, DoF shrinks to millimetres; a single shot rarely keeps the whole subject sharp. Focus stacking (multiple shots at different focus distances merged in software) is the standard way to get a fully sharp macro image.
Depth of Field Calculator FAQ
What is the Circle of Confusion (CoC)?
The Circle of Confusion is the largest blur circle that still looks sharp to the eye. This tool uses the common rule CoC = sensor diagonal ÷ 1500 (diagonal in mm). Once a point’s blur exceeds that size on the sensor, it starts to look soft. Sensor size and viewing distance both affect what “sharp enough” means.
Why does full frame have shallower depth of field than crop?
At the same effective focal length and f-stop, full frame uses a larger sensor diagonal, so the CoC is larger and the DoF math gives you less depth of field, more background blur. Crop sensors give more DoF at equivalent framing, which can help for landscapes or when you want more of the scene in focus.
What is hyperfocal distance?
Hyperfocal distance is the focus distance where everything from half that distance out to infinity appears acceptably sharp. Set your lens to the hyperfocal distance (or the closest mark on a manual lens) when you want maximum sharp range without focusing at infinity, handy for landscape and street.
Why is my depth of field so thin in macro?
At very close focus distances, DoF drops to millimetres. A single shot usually can’t keep the whole subject sharp. Focus stacking, several shots at different focus distances merged in software, is the usual way to get a fully sharp macro image.
Can I use a custom sensor size?
Yes. Choose Custom in the sensor dropdown and enter your camera’s sensor diagonal in mm. You’ll find it in the manufacturer’s spec sheet or on sites like DxOMark. The calculator then uses that for the CoC and all DoF results.
Mathematical Reference Note
Calculation Logic: This tool uses standard mathematical algorithms. While we strive for accuracy, errors in logic or user input can result in incorrect data.
Verification: Results should be cross-checked if used for important academic, professional, or personal calculations.
Standard Terms: This tool is provided free of charge and as-is. CalcRegistry provides no warranty regarding the accuracy or fitness of these results for your specific needs.
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