Depth of Field Calculator
Calculate near limit, far limit and total depth of field from focal length, aperture, focus distance and sensor size.
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How Depth of Field Works
Depth of field is the zone that looks acceptably sharp around your focus point. It is governed by four factors: aperture (higher f-number = deeper), focal length (longer lens = shallower), focus distance (closer subject = shallower) and sensor size via its circle of confusion (full frame 0.030 mm, APS-C 0.020 mm, Micro 4/3 0.015 mm). The calculator computes the hyperfocal distance H = f²/(N·c) + f, then the near and far sharp limits for your focus distance.
Example: 50 mm at f/2.8 focused at 3 m on full frame gives sharpness from about 2.78 to 3.26 m — roughly half a meter of working room for a portrait.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is more of the scene in focus behind my subject than in front?
Depth of field is asymmetric: at normal distances roughly one-third falls in front of the focus point and two-thirds behind. At macro distances it approaches 50/50, and near the hyperfocal distance the far limit runs to infinity.
Does sensor size really change depth of field?
For the same framing and f-number, smaller sensors give more depth of field — a Micro 4/3 shot at f/2.8 looks similar to full frame at about f/5.6, because shorter focal lengths are used for the same field of view.
What f-stop should I use for portraits vs landscapes?
Portraits commonly use f/1.8-f/4 for subject separation (check the near/far limits cover eyes and nose). Landscapes typically use f/8-f/11 with focus at the hyperfocal distance for front-to-back sharpness.
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Depth of Field Calculator