Bokeh Strength Estimator
Estimate background blur intensity for portrait and artistic photography
Photography
Portrait
Blur
About Bokeh Strength Estimator
This calculator estimates bokeh intensity using the formula: Bokeh ∝ f / (N × distance), where f is focal length, N is the aperture f-number, and distance is to the subject.
For precise depth of field measurements including the exact zone of sharpness, use our Depth of Field Calculator.
When shooting with crop sensors, remember the crop factor affects both field of view and effective depth of field.
All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is bokeh?
Bokeh (from Japanese "blur") refers to the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas in a photograph. It's characterized by soft, circular blur patterns that create pleasing background separation.
How do I get better bokeh?
Use a wider aperture (lower f-number), longer focal length, get closer to your subject, and increase the distance between subject and background. Fast prime lenses (f/1.4-f/1.8) at 85mm+ are ideal.
Does sensor size affect bokeh?
Yes! Larger sensors produce more bokeh at equivalent framing. Full-frame cameras show more background blur than crop sensors. Use our Lens Crop Factor Calculator to compare.
What makes bokeh look "good" or "bad"?
Good bokeh is smooth and creamy with soft edges. Bad bokeh has harsh outlines or busy patterns. Lens design (blade count, optical formula) affects bokeh quality, not just quantity.
How is bokeh different from depth of field?
Depth of field (DoF) is the zone of acceptable sharpness. Bokeh describes the visual quality of areas outside that zone. You can have shallow DoF with poor bokeh quality. Check our Depth of Field Calculator.