Depth of Field Calculator
Depth of field, hyperfocal distance, field of view, close-up diopters and shutter angle: the cinematographer’s optical calculations, for film and digital.
Default circle of confusion: format diagonal ÷ 1500 (common convention). For big-screen projection, use a smaller value. The calculation uses the focal length and the geometric aperture: with a T-stop the result is very close.
Everything is computed in your browser: nothing is uploaded.
About this tool
This calculator brings together the optical calculations of cinematographers and photographers: depth of field and hyperfocal distance, field of view, close-up lenses (diopters) and shutter angle. Formats range from Super 8 to full frame, including 16 mm, Super 16, 35 mm Academy, Super 35, APS-C and Micro Four Thirds, or a custom sensor size.
Depth of field is calculated from focal length, aperture and focus distance; the circle of confusion is suggested automatically from the format diagonal and can be entered. A diagram places the sharp zone around the subject. Distances are shown in metres or in feet and inches.
- Depth of field, near and far limits, hyperfocal distance
- Film and digital formats, or a custom size
- Horizontal, vertical and diagonal field of view
- Full-frame equivalent focal length and field covered
- Close-up lenses: focus distance, stacked diopters
- Shutter angle ↔ exposure time, difference in stops
How to use it
- Choose the gate or sensor format and the distance unit.
- Enter focal length, aperture and focus distance.
- Read the depth of field, sharp limits and hyperfocal distance.
- Switch to the Field of view, Diopters or Shutter tabs as needed.
Frequently asked questions
How is the circle of confusion chosen?
By default it is the format diagonal divided by 1500, a common convention: 0.029 mm for full frame, 0.021 mm for Super 35, 0.0097 mm for Super 16. For a very large screen, enter a smaller value.
What is the hyperfocal distance?
It is the focus distance that gives the greatest depth of field: everything is sharp from half that distance to infinity.
How do close-up lenses work?
A +D diopter lens focuses at 1/D metre when the objective is set to infinity. Two close-up lenses add up.
What exposure time for a 180° shutter?
Exposure time equals angle ÷ (360 × frame rate): at 24 fps and 180°, 1/48 s.