Depth of field — how much of the scene is acceptably sharp — is set by four things: your sensor format, focal length, aperture and how far you are from the subject. This calculator turns them into the numbers that matter on location: the hyperfocal distance, the near and far limits of focus, and the total depth of field.
Total depth of field
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- Hyperfocal distance
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- Near limit
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- Far limit
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- In front / behind
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Based on the standard circle-of-confusion for each format. A planning guide — sharpness also depends on lens, focus accuracy and viewing size. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
How to use it
- Hyperfocal distance is the focus distance that keeps everything from half that distance to infinity sharp — the landscape shooter’s friend.
- Near & far limits show exactly where sharpness begins and ends at your chosen focus point.
- Stop down (higher f-number) or step back to grow depth of field; open up or move closer to shrink it.
The figures use the standard circle of confusion for each format. Treat them as a planning guide — real sharpness also depends on your lens, focus accuracy and how large you view the image.