🎥 Free Depth of Field Calculator
Enter your sensor's circle of confusion (mm).
Hyperfocal Distance:
Near Limit:
Far Limit:
Total DoF:
What Is a Depth of Field Calculator and How Do You Use It?
A Depth of Field (DoF) Calculator is a practical tool that helps photographers and filmmakers figure out how much of their shot will appear in focus, based on their camera settings. Whether you’re shooting portraits with creamy bokeh or landscapes with edge-to-edge clarity, knowing your depth of field before you shoot saves time—and shots.
What is Depth of Field?
Depth of field refers to the area in front of and behind your subject that appears sharp in the image. It’s influenced by four key factors:
Aperture (f-stop)
Focal length of the lens
Distance to the subject
Sensor size (or circle of confusion)
A shallow depth of field means only a thin slice of your image is in focus—ideal for cinematic shots. A deeper depth of field keeps more of your scene sharp—great for wide landscapes or architectural work.
How Does a Depth of Field Calculator Work?
Our free DoF calculator takes your:
Focal length (in mm)
Aperture (f/number)
Subject distance (in meters)
Sensor format or specific camera model
…and instantly calculates:
Near focus limit
Far focus limit
Total depth of field
Hyperfocal distance
No guesswork. Just clean, immediate answers that help you dial in your shot.
Why Does Depth of Field Matter?
Whether you're working with an ARRI Alexa, a Sony A7S III, or even an iPhone 15 Pro, understanding DoF helps you:
Control visual storytelling
Draw focus to subjects
Avoid out-of-focus mistakes
Create consistent, repeatable results
Shallow DoF (like with a 50mm f/1.4 lens) can isolate your subject and add emotional depth. A deep DoF (say, with a 16mm lens at f/11) can keep an entire scene sharp and immersive.
What is the Circle of Confusion?
The Circle of Confusion (CoC) is a technical term that defines what appears “acceptably sharp” in your final image. It varies based on sensor size—larger sensors like full frame have a larger CoC, while smaller sensors like APS-C or Micro Four Thirds require a tighter tolerance. Our calculator sets this automatically when you select your camera or sensor.
Common Depth of Field Questions Answered
How can I get more background blur?
Use a longer focal length, larger aperture (lower f-number), and move closer to your subject.
How do I keep more of my scene in focus?
Stop down your aperture (e.g., f/8 or f/11), use a wider lens, and increase your distance from the subject.
What is hyperfocal distance?
It’s the closest distance at which your lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. When focused at this distance, everything from half that point to infinity is in focus.
Does sensor size really affect depth of field?
Yes. A full-frame camera will have a shallower depth of field than a Micro Four Thirds camera at the same settings. That’s why sensor format is critical in DoF calculations.
Designed for Creators Like You
Whether you’re framing a cinematic close-up on a Super 35 camera, capturing a product on a mirrorless hybrid, or filming a handheld sequence on a smartphone, this calculator helps you pre-visualize your depth of field instantly and accurately.
Don’t just shoot—shoot with confidence.