🏔️ Hyperfocal Distance Calculator
Enter your sensor, focal length and aperture to get the hyperfocal distance — the focus point that maximises sharpness to infinity.
Hyperfocal distance
2.52 m
Sharp from (½ hyperfocal)
1.26 m → ∞
Focus at the hyperfocal distance (H = focal²⁄(f-number × CoC) + focal) and everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp — the classic trick for maximising depth of field in landscapes. A wider lens and smaller aperture bring the hyperfocal distance closer. 🔒 In your browser.
How the hyperfocal distance calculator works
The hyperfocal distance is the closest focus point that still keeps the horizon acceptably sharp. It's H = focal² ÷ (f-number × circle of confusion) + focal. Focus there and the depth of field runs from half the hyperfocal distance all the way to infinity — the deepest possible sharpness for that lens and aperture.
This is the classic landscape technique: rather than focusing on the horizon (which wastes near sharpness) or the foreground (which loses the distance), focus at the hyperfocal distance for the most front-to-back sharpness. Wider lenses and smaller apertures bring it closer, letting you keep nearby foreground sharp too.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hyperfocal distance?
The nearest distance you can focus at while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. Focusing there gives the maximum depth of field — from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
How do I calculate hyperfocal distance?
H = focal length² ÷ (f-number × circle of confusion) + focal length. For a 24mm lens at f/8 on full frame it's about 2.5 m, so focusing at 2.5 m keeps everything from ~1.25 m to infinity sharp.
How do I use hyperfocal focusing for landscapes?
Set your aperture (often f/8–f/11), find the hyperfocal distance for your lens, and focus there — not on the horizon. Everything from half that distance to infinity will be sharp, maximising front-to-back detail.
Why not just focus at infinity?
Focusing at infinity keeps distant objects sharp but wastes the depth of field that could extend toward you — your foreground goes soft sooner. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance captures the nearest possible sharp foreground while still holding the horizon.
What affects the hyperfocal distance?
It shrinks (comes closer) with a wider lens, a smaller aperture (higher f-number), and a smaller sensor. A wide lens at f/11 can have a hyperfocal distance of a metre or two, making near-to-far sharpness easy.