Hyperfocal Distance Calculator

Hyperfocal distance: maximum sharp range

The hyperfocal distance H is the focus point that gives you the most depth of field. Focus there and everything from H/2 out to infinity looks acceptably sharp. The formula is H = f²/(N·c) + f, where f is the focal length (mm), N is the f-number and c is the sensor's circle of confusion (full-frame ≈ 0.03 mm, APS-C ≈ 0.019 mm, micro 4/3 ≈ 0.015 mm). Take 24 mm at f/8 on full-frame (c = 0.03): you get H ≈ 24²/(8·0.03) + 24 ≈ 2,424 mm ≈ 2.4 m, so focus there and the sharp zone runs from 1.2 m to infinity. Stop down past that (f/16 and beyond) and diffraction starts softening the image, which is why f/8–f/11 tends to be the sharpest range.

Applications

It comes up in landscape photography, where you want both a sharp foreground and distant mountains, and in street photography, where zone focusing lets you grab quick candid shots without stopping to refocus. It also helps with architecture and with astrophotography foregrounds, where the night sky already sits at infinity.

FAQ

Does H change with sensor size? Yes. A smaller sensor has a smaller circle of confusion, and that pushes H up for the same focal length and aperture.

Why not focus directly at infinity? Focusing at infinity throws away the near-field depth of field. Focusing at H roughly doubles the sharp range coming back toward the camera.

Which CoC should I use? The usual working values are 0.03 mm for full-frame, 0.019 mm for APS-C and 0.015 mm for micro 4/3. Pick the one that matches the sensor in the camera you are shooting with.