Photography
Depth of Field Calculator
Enter focal length, f-number, focus distance and circle of confusion to see near/far DoF and total.
What is depth of field?
Depth of field is the span of distances that appear acceptably sharp for a chosen lens, aperture, focus distance and circle of confusion. This calculator uses the standard geometric model: hyperfocal H = f²/(N×c)+f, then near and far limits from focus distance s. Wide apertures and long focal lengths shrink DoF; stopping down and focusing farther usually deepen it until the far limit reaches infinity. CoC reflects viewing assumptions — smaller CoC values are stricter. Plan landscapes with the hyperfocal distance tool and translate lenses across bodies with crop factor.
Worked example
50 mm at f/2.8, focus 3 m, CoC 0.03 mm → finite near/far band around the focus point; stop down to f/11 and the far limit often races toward infinity.
Limits and assumptions
Thin-lens geometry only. Diffraction softens detail at tiny apertures even when DoF maths looks generous.
Frequently asked questions
What do DoF and CoC mean?
DoF means depth of field — how much of the scene looks sharp from near to far. CoC means circle of confusion — the blur-spot size on the sensor you still call “acceptably sharp” when viewed at a stated size.
Why does aperture change DoF?
A smaller aperture (larger f-number) narrows the light cone so focus errors stay inside the CoC over a deeper range.
When is far DoF infinite?
When focus is at or beyond hyperfocal distance for that lens, aperture and CoC.
Does sensor size matter?
Yes via CoC and via crop framing. Pair with the crop-factor tool when comparing bodies.