Photography Math: Exposure, Depth of Field and Crop Factor
The numbers that sharpen your photography — the exposure triangle, exposure value, depth of field and hyperfocal distance, crop factor, flash guide numbers and print size.
Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Hyperfocal distance
10.47
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
The Hyperfocal Distance Calculator works out your hyperfocal distance in an instant. Enter focal length, aperture (f-number) and circle of confusion and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the focal length.
- Enter the aperture (f-number).
- Enter the circle of confusion.
- Read off your hyperfocal distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Hyperfocal Distance Calculator uses the formula:
Hyperfocal distance = (Focal length ^ 2 ÷ (Aperture (f-number) × Circle of confusion) + Focal length) ÷ 1000
Worked example
For example, with focal length of 50 mm, aperture (f-number) of 8 and circle of confusion of 0.03 mm, the hyperfocal distance is 10.47.
| Focal length | 50 mm |
|---|---|
| Aperture (f-number) | 8 |
| Circle of confusion | 0.03 mm |
| Hyperfocal distance | 10.47 |
|---|
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
It is the focus distance that keeps everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp. At 50 mm and f/8 it is about 10.5 m.
Hyperfocal = focal² ÷ (aperture × circle of confusion) + focal, then converted to metres.
It is the largest blur spot that still looks sharp, depending on sensor size — about 0.03 mm for full frame.
Focusing there gives the greatest depth of field, ideal for landscapes where you want everything sharp.
Enter the focal length. Enter the aperture (f-number). Enter the circle of confusion. Read off your hyperfocal distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
Hyperfocal Distance Table: Hyperfocal distance by Focal length
Reference table of hyperfocal distance for Hyperfocal Distance across a range of focal length values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
How to Calculate Hyperfocal Distance: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Hyperfocal Distance — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.