Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Enter your focal length and aperture to find the hyperfocal distance. Focus there and everything from half that distance to infinity stays acceptably sharp.
How to use the hyperfocal distance calculator
- Enter your lens focal length in millimetres.
- Enter the aperture f-number you plan to shoot at.
- Adjust the circle of confusion for your sensor if needed, then read the hyperfocal distance.
Examples
50mm at f/8 on full frame
focal = 50 mm, f/8, coc = 0.029 mm
hyperfocal distance = 10.83 m
Wide landscape lens
focal = 24 mm, f/16, coc = 0.029 mm
hyperfocal distance = 1.27 m
Frequently asked questions
What is the hyperfocal distance?
It is the closest focus distance at which everything from half that distance out to infinity is acceptably sharp. Focusing there gives the deepest depth of field for a given lens and aperture.
What formula does this use?
H = (focal length squared divided by f-number times the circle of confusion) plus the focal length, all in millimetres, then converted to metres.
What is the circle of confusion?
It is the largest blur spot that still looks sharp at normal viewing size. It depends on sensor size: about 0.029 mm for full frame, 0.018 mm for APS-C and 0.015 mm for Micro Four Thirds.
Why does a wider lens have a shorter hyperfocal distance?
The distance scales with the square of focal length, so shorter lenses reach the hyperfocal point much closer. That is why wide lenses are favoured for deep landscape focus.
Does stopping down help?
Yes. A larger f-number (smaller aperture) shortens the hyperfocal distance and increases depth of field, though very small apertures soften the image through diffraction.
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