Depth of field from magnification.
Calculate depth of field directly from magnification – ideal for macro and close-up work where focal length and distance alone are not enough.
Includes near/far focus point calculation and circle-of-confusion presets for all common sensor formats.
- ◆Macro-optimized
- ◆Near/far points
- ◆CoC presets
- ◆Scientifically sound
Depth of Field Calculator (Magnification Ratio)
Calculate depth of field via magnification ratio for macro and close-up photography
Input parameters
Example: 1:1 = 1.0, 1:2 = 0.5, 2:1 = 2.0
Without focal length: simplified calculation for depth of field only
Results
Important notes:
- • Ideal for macro and close-up photography
- • Higher magnification ratios = shallower depth of field
- • Smaller aperture values (f/1.4) = shallower depth of field
- • The circle of confusion depends on the sensor
- • Real-world results may differ from calculated values
Depth of field and magnification.
Depth of field describes the zone in front of and behind the focus point that is still perceived as sharp – shaped by aperture, focal length, distance, and sensor size.
How magnification works.
Magnification shows how large an object is rendered on the sensor relative to its real size:
- 1:4 (0.25): object appears one quarter as large
- 1:2 (0.5): object appears half as large
- 1:1 (1.0): life-size reproduction
- 2:1 (2.0): object appears twice as large
What this calculator is for.
- Macro photography (insects, flowers, details)
- Product photography (small items)
- Jewelry photography
- Scientific documentation
- Close-up work of any kind
Circle of confusion: depends on sensor size. Full-frame cameras have larger circles of confusion than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds.
Four pointers for macro work.
Answers to common questions.
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Solid photography knowledge.
Calculators give you the number. On the blog and in 1:1 coaching I turn theory into results you can see in your images.