Depth of Field Calculator
Choose your camera sensor, set focal length, aperture, and focus distance to see exactly how much of your scene will be sharp. Near and far focus limits, hyperfocal distance, and a live top-down diagram update instantly. Nothing uploaded.
Sensor Format
CoC: 0.029 mm
Focal Length
Aperture
Focus Distance
Results
Top-Down Diagram
Learn more: Depth of field and sensor formats
Why sensor format is the number most DoF calculators ignore
Most online depth of field calculators default to a single circle of confusion value and ignore your actual sensor. A 50mm f/2.8 lens on a Sony APS-C camera gives significantly more depth of field than the same lens on a full frame body - because the smaller sensor requires a smaller CoC threshold for acceptable sharpness.
Understanding hyperfocal distance
Hyperfocal distance is the closest focus point at which everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp. Set your focus here for maximum depth of field in landscape and street photography. It changes with focal length, aperture, and sensor format.
Front and rear DoF split
The zone of sharpness is not symmetrical around your focus point. At normal shooting distances, more depth of field falls behind your subject (rear DoF) than in front (front DoF). The closer you focus, the more equal the split becomes. At the hyperfocal distance, rear DoF is infinite.
Sensor formats and their practical impact
Full Frame (36x24mm), APS-C Canon/Nikon/Sony, Micro Four Thirds, and Super 35 cinema sensors all have different circle of confusion thresholds. The calculator includes all common formats and lets you enter a custom CoC value for specialized cameras.
Frequently asked questions
The closest focus point where everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp. It depends on focal length, aperture, and sensor format. The calculator shows it instantly.
Smaller sensors use a smaller CoC threshold. To get the same framing you use a shorter focal length or stand closer - both increase depth of field. This calculator applies the correct CoC for each sensor.
The sharp zone is not centred on your focus point. At most distances more falls behind the subject than in front. The calculator shows the exact percentage.