Where to focus so the landscape is sharp from near to far
This hyperfocal distance calculator tells you the one focus distance that makes a landscape acceptably sharp from half that distance all the way to infinity. Choose your sensor, enter the focal length and aperture, and it gives the hyperfocal distance, the near limit, and the depth of field if you focus somewhere else.
Underneath are two tables: a hyperfocal distance chart for eight focal lengths and eight apertures on your sensor, which you can print or download as a CSV file, and a depth-of-field table for common subject distances. Everything is computed in your browser.
How to use the hyperfocal distance calculator
- Pick your sensor size, or type its width and height. The circle of confusion is set for you.
- Enter the focal length and aperture you plan to shoot at.
- Read the hyperfocal distance. Press Focus at hyperfocal to see the near limit and infinity as the far limit.
- To focus on a particular subject, type its focus distance and read the near and far limits of sharpness.
- Print the chart or download it as CSV to take into the field.
Hyperfocal Distance Calculator features
Near and far limits
Depth of field for any subject distance, in metres or feet.
Printable chart
Eight focal lengths by eight apertures for your sensor, ready to print or save as CSV.
Editable circle of confusion
Use the diagonal ÷ 1500 default or type your own for large prints and high-resolution sensors.
The hyperfocal distance formula
The standard formula is H = f² ÷ (N × c) + f, where f is the focal length, N the f-number and c the circle of confusion, all in the same unit. A 50 mm lens at f/8 with c = 0.03 mm gives 2500 ÷ 0.24 + 50 = 10,467 mm, or 10.47 m. Focused there, everything from H ÷ 2 (5.2 m) to infinity is acceptably sharp.
For other focus distances s the near limit is s × (H − f) ÷ (H + s − 2f) and the far limit is s × (H − f) ÷ (H − s); beyond H the far limit is infinite. These are the thin-lens relations described in Wikipedia’s “Hyperfocal distance” article.
Practical landscape tips
Set the lens to manual focus, estimate the distance with the scale or a reference object, and use a small aperture such as f/8 to f/11 rather than the smallest. A wider lens has a much shorter hyperfocal distance: 16 mm at f/8 on full frame is only about 1.2 m, so a whole scene from your boots to the horizon can be sharp.
Circle of confusion and its limits
The circle of confusion is the largest blur spot that still looks like a point. The common convention, used here by default, is the sensor diagonal divided by 1500, which gives 0.029 mm on full frame and 0.019 mm on APS-C. Zeiss’s older figure is diagonal ÷ 1730. Large prints viewed closely, or 45-megapixel sensors, call for a smaller value and a longer hyperfocal distance.
“Acceptably sharp” is a viewing standard, not a physical edge. Sharpness falls off gradually, diffraction softens images beyond about f/11 on full frame, and real lenses differ. Treat the result as a starting point and check your image at full size.
Hyperfocal Distance Calculator FAQ
What is the hyperfocal distance?
The nearest focus distance at which infinity is still acceptably sharp. Focus there and depth of field runs from half that distance to infinity.
How do I calculate hyperfocal distance?
H = f² ÷ (N × c) + f. For a 24 mm lens at f/11 on full frame it is about 1.84 m.
Is a hyperfocal distance chart the same for every camera?
No. It depends on the circle of confusion, so a chart for full frame is wrong for APS-C or Micro Four Thirds. This page builds the chart for your sensor.
Should I focus at the hyperfocal distance or at infinity?
Focusing at infinity wastes the near half of the depth of field. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance keeps the foreground sharp and still holds the horizon.
Can I print the chart?
Yes. Press Print chart or download the CSV. Pop-ups must be allowed for printing.
Where is the field of view?
Use the camera FOV calculator; the same optics helpers power both pages. Compare sensors with the crop factor calculator.