Depth of Field Calculator
Calculate the zone of sharpness in your photos based on camera settings
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Optics
About Depth of Field Calculator
This calculator uses the standard depth of field formula: DoF ≈ (2 × N × c × d²) / f², where N is the f-number, c is the circle of confusion, d is the subject distance, and f is the focal length.
Understanding depth of field is essential for portrait photography with bokeh or landscape photography with maximum sharpness.
For proper exposure with your DoF settings, use our Exposure Triangle Calculator to balance ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is depth of field (DoF)?
Depth of field is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in an image. A shallow DoF creates background blur (bokeh), while a deep DoF keeps more of the scene in focus.
How does aperture affect depth of field?
A wider aperture (smaller f-number like f/1.8) creates a shallower depth of field with more background blur. A narrower aperture (larger f-number like f/16) creates a deeper depth of field with more of the scene in focus.
What is circle of confusion?
Circle of confusion (CoC) is the largest blur spot that will still be perceived as a point by the human eye. It varies by sensor size and determines the acceptable sharpness threshold for DoF calculations.
How do I get more background blur?
To increase background blur: use a wider aperture (lower f-number), use a longer focal length, get closer to your subject, and increase the distance between subject and background. Try our Bokeh Strength Estimator for more insights.
What is hyperfocal distance?
Hyperfocal distance is the focus distance that gives maximum depth of field, extending from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity. Use our Hyperfocal Distance Calculator for landscape photography.