Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Find the hyperfocal distance for any focal length and aperture — the focus point that maximises depth of field.
Hyperfocal distance10.47m
In millimetres10,467mm
In feet34.34ft
Hyperfocal distance H = f² ÷ (N · c) + f, where f is the focal length, N is the f-number and c is the circle of confusion (all in mm). Focusing at H makes everything from half of H to infinity acceptably sharp. For a 50 mm lens at f/8 with c = 0.03 mm: H = 2500 ÷ 0.24 + 50 = 10,466.67 mm ≈ 10.47 m (≈ 34.3 ft). Stopping down (a larger f-number) shortens H and deepens the in-focus zone.
Questions
What is the hyperfocal distance?
It is the closest focus distance at which everything from half that distance out to infinity is acceptably sharp. Focusing there gives the deepest possible depth of field for a given focal length and aperture.
How is it calculated?
H = focal length² ÷ (f-number × circle of confusion) + focal length, with all lengths in millimetres. A 50 mm lens at f/8 with a 0.03 mm circle of confusion gives about 10.47 m.