Free Depth of Field Calculator

Near limit, far limit, total depth of field, and hyperfocal distance β€” using the exact sensor of the camera you own. Works for mirrorless, DSLR, and phone cameras.

Your setup

Auto-set from sensor (diagonal Γ· 1500). Override for custom print/viewing standards.

Results

Hyperfocal
β€”
focus here = ∞ DoF
Near limit
β€”
closest sharp point
Far limit
β€”
farthest sharp point
Total DoF
β€”
near β†’ far
In front / behind
0focus∞
πŸ’‘ Rule of thumb: at distances well below hyperfocal, about β…“ of the DoF is in front of your focus point and β…” behind it. Use the visual bar above as your guide.

How to use this depth of field calculator

  1. Pick your camera β€” the sensor size and circle of confusion are applied automatically (no more guessing your CoC).
  2. Select your lens or type the focal length and choose the aperture you plan to shoot at.
  3. Enter your focus distance (m or ft) and read the near limit, far limit, and total depth of field.
  4. Save setups you use often β€” they're stored in your browser and reload instantly next time.

For landscape work, check the hyperfocal distance: focus there and everything from half that distance to infinity is sharp. For portraits, you'll usually want a wide aperture so the far limit stays comfortably behind your subject's head.

Related tools & guides

Hyperfocal Calculator

Find the exact focus point that maximizes sharp depth.

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ND Filter Calculator

Long-exposure shutter times for any filter strength.

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Field of View Calculator

Horizontal and vertical angles for any sensor + lens.

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Hyperfocal Distance Chart

Printable full-frame & APS-C charts, no math needed.

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Circle of Confusion Guide

What CoC is, why it matters, and which standard to use.

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Camera Sensor Sizes

Full frame vs APS-C vs Micro 4/3 vs phone β€” side by side.

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Depth of field FAQ

What is depth of field, in plain English?

Depth of field is the distance range in your scene that looks acceptably sharp. Only one plane is truly in focus; everything else falls within the depth of field if it's close enough to that plane that the blur stays below the circle of confusion.

Does sensor size change depth of field?

Yes β€” at the same focal length and aperture, a larger sensor produces shallower depth of field because it needs a longer lens to achieve the same framing. The circle of confusion also scales with sensor diagonal, which the calculator handles automatically.

What aperture gives maximum depth of field?

Diffraction starts softening images around f/8–f/11 on full frame, f/5.6–f/8 on APS-C and Micro 4/3. The sharpest "landscape" choice is usually the smallest aperture before diffraction β€” use the hyperfocal distance at that aperture.