Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Find the focus distance that keeps everything from half that distance to infinity sharp.
Hyperfocal Distance Explained →
What is hyperfocal distance?
The hyperfocal distance is the closest distance you can focus at while still keeping distant objects, all the way to infinity, acceptably sharp. Focus there and your depth of field stretches from half that distance out to the horizon - the maximum possible for that lens and aperture.
It is the landscape photographer's shortcut to front-to-back sharpness without focus stacking.
How to focus at the hyperfocal distance
Read the hyperfocal distance for your focal length and aperture, then set the lens to that distance using the focus scale, live view, or by focusing on something at roughly that range. Everything from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity will then be sharp.
Focusing at infinity instead wastes the near half of your depth of field, leaving the foreground soft.
Hyperfocal distance and sensor size
A smaller sensor or a wider lens brings the hyperfocal distance closer, so more of the scene falls inside the sharp zone. Stopping down (a higher f-number) also shortens it. The calculator uses the circle of confusion for your chosen sensor, so the result matches your camera rather than a generic full-frame figure.
How this calculation works
Formula: H = f² / (N · c) + f
where:
f= focal lengthN= aperture (f-number)c= circle of confusion
Sources:
FAQ
How do I use the hyperfocal distance?
Switch to manual focus and focus at the calculated distance (or just beyond). Everything from half that distance to infinity will be sharp.
Why does a wider lens give a closer hyperfocal distance?
Shorter focal lengths have inherently more depth of field, so the point at which infinity becomes sharp sits closer to the camera.
Is focusing at infinity the same as hyperfocal?
No. Focusing at infinity wastes near sharpness; focusing at the hyperfocal distance keeps infinity acceptably sharp while also sharpening the foreground.
Does aperture change the hyperfocal distance?
Yes. A smaller aperture (higher f-number) shortens the hyperfocal distance, so more of the scene falls within the sharp zone.