🏔️ Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Find the hyperfocal distance for your lens and aperture so you can maximize depth of field from near foreground to infinity.
What This Calculator Does
Hyperfocal distance is the closest focusing distance at which a lens can still keep objects at infinity acceptably sharp. Focusing at this distance maximizes your zone of sharpness, from roughly half the hyperfocal distance all the way to the horizon — a technique widely used in landscape photography.
The Formula
Hyperfocal distance is calculated as H = f² / (N × c) + f, where f is the focal length, N is the f-number (aperture), and c is the circle of confusion — a value representing the largest blur spot the eye perceives as a sharp point, typically around 0.03mm for full-frame sensors (smaller for cropped sensors). When you focus at the hyperfocal distance, everything from about H/2 to infinity appears acceptably sharp.
A Few Notes
- Circle of confusion varies by sensor size — smaller sensors typically use a smaller value, such as 0.019mm for APS-C or 0.015mm for Micro Four Thirds.
- Results are theoretical guidelines; actual perceived sharpness depends on print size, viewing distance, and lens quality.
- Provided for general photography planning and educational purposes.