What Is Depth of Field?
Depth of field (DOF) is the distance range within which objects in a photograph look acceptably sharp. It is controlled by three factors: aperture, focal length, and focus distance. A wide aperture such as f/1.8 produces a shallow depth of field with creamy background bokeh — ideal for portraits — while a narrow aperture like f/11 keeps both foreground and background sharp for landscape and architecture work. Your camera sensor size matters too: smaller sensors (higher crop factor) deliver deeper depth of field at the same framing.
How to Use This Depth of Field Calculator
Select your camera sensor (or enter a custom crop factor), then set your focal length, aperture, and focus distance. Results update instantly — no button needed. The calculator shows the near limit and far limit of sharpness, the total depth of field, and a visual sharpness range so you can see exactly how much of your scene will be in focus. Switch between meters and feet at any time. Common focal lengths (24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm) are one tap away.
Understanding Hyperfocal Distance
The hyperfocal distance is the focus distance at which everything from half that distance to infinity appears sharp. Focusing at the hyperfocal point maximizes depth of field — the far limit reaches infinity while the near limit drops to half the hyperfocal distance. This is the classic landscape photography technique: set a narrow aperture, focus at hyperfocal, and get foreground flowers and distant mountains sharp in one frame. When your focus distance is at or beyond hyperfocal, this calculator shows the far limit as ∞.