About these tables
This page shows the same hyperfocal-distance and depth-of-field formulas used by our single-value DoF calculator, laid out as tables so you can compare every standard aperture or subject distance at a glance instead of entering one value at a time. The hyperfocal table only depends on focal length, aperture, and sensor size; the depth-of-field table also uses the aperture you select above.
How to read the hyperfocal table
The hyperfocal distance is the focus distance that keeps everything out to infinity acceptably sharp while stretching the in-focus zone as close to you as possible. Focus there and the zone from half that distance to infinity falls within acceptable sharpness. Each row of the table gives this distance in meters for one aperture.
The formula is H = f² / (N × c), plus f. Here f is focal length, N is the f-number and c is the circle of confusion in millimeters. A longer focal length or a wider aperture pushes the hyperfocal distance farther away, and stopping down brings it closer.
Worked examples
- Full frame, 24mm at f/8: the hyperfocal distance is about 2.42 m. Focus at 2.42 m and everything from roughly 1.2 m to infinity is acceptably sharp.
- Sensor size matters at 35mm and f/8: about 5.14 m on full frame, but about 7.69 m on APS-C (using a 0.02 mm circle of confusion). A smaller sensor allows a smaller circle of confusion, which pushes the hyperfocal distance out.
- Full frame, 50mm at f/2.8: about 29.81 m. Stop the same lens down to f/8 and it drops to about 10.47 m.
How to read the depth-of-field table
The depth-of-field table uses the aperture you chose above and lists the near limit, far limit and total depth of field at nine subject distances from 0.5 m to 100 m. When the subject distance is at or beyond the hyperfocal distance, the far limit reads "Infinity".
For example, a full-frame 50mm lens focused on a subject 5 m away keeps about 3.39 m to 9.49 m sharp at f/8 (about 6.10 m in total), but only about 4.29 m to 6.00 m at f/2.8 (about 1.71 m in total). One aperture change at the same distance changes the sharp zone dramatically.
Limits and common mistakes
- The circle of confusion values are common approximations for each sensor size. If you plan to print large or inspect images at 100%, choose "Custom" and enter a smaller value to be more conservative.
- When you focus at the hyperfocal distance, the near limit sits at about half that distance. If a very close foreground matters, check that point before you shoot.
- Stopping down too far lets diffraction soften the whole image. The smallest aperture in the table is not always the best choice.
- These are theoretical reference values. Lens behavior and real focusing accuracy vary, so check important frames by zooming in after you shoot.
Guides that pair well with this table
For reference only. Real-world sharpness can vary with your specific lens and how the final image is viewed or printed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the single-value DoF calculator?+
It uses the exact same formulas, but shows every standard aperture's hyperfocal distance, and every preset subject distance's near/far limits, in table form instead of one result at a time.
Why doesn't the hyperfocal table need a subject distance?+
Hyperfocal distance depends only on focal length, aperture, and sensor size (via the circle of confusion) — not on how far away your subject is.
Can I use a custom sensor size?+
Yes — choose "Custom" under Sensor Size and enter your own circle of confusion value in millimeters.