Hyperfocal distance.

Worked example

A 24 mm lens at f/11 on full frame with CoC 0.030 mm: H = 24²/(11 × 0.03) + 24 = 1745.45 + 24 = 1769.45 mm = 1.77 m. Focus there and everything from 0.88 m to infinity is acceptably sharp.

How it works

H = f² / (N × c) + f, with f the focal length, N the f-number and c the circle of confusion, all in the same unit. Focused at H, the depth of field runs from H/2 to infinity. Opening the aperture or lengthening the lens grows H quickly, because H scales with the square of the focal length.

The CoC is a standard of sharpness, not a fact of nature. 0.030 mm is a value typically used for full-frame photography; here it scales with sensor diagonal. If you print large or look at 100% on screen, choose a smaller CoC, which moves the hyperfocal distance further away.

Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): Wikipedia: Hyperfocal distance (H = f²/(Nc) + f; near limit H/2; CoC 0.03 mm typical for 35 mm photography), Wikipedia: Image sensor format (sensor dimensions) and Wikipedia: Crop factor (35 mm diagonal 43.3 mm for scaling the CoC).

FAQ

What is hyperfocal distance?

The closest focus distance at which the far background still reaches acceptable sharpness at infinity. Focus there and the sharp zone runs from half that distance to infinity.

How do I use the hyperfocal distance in the field?

Estimate or set your focus to that distance, for example with a distance scale or focus peaking on a target at about that range, then shoot with the same aperture.

Why does my 24 mm lens give a shorter distance than my 50 mm?

H grows with the square of focal length. Wider lenses have much shorter hyperfocal distances.

Does a smaller sensor change it?

Yes. The default CoC shrinks with the sensor, which pushes H out for the same focal length and aperture. Smaller sensors also use shorter lenses for the same view.

Is diffraction included?

No. Very small apertures soften an image through diffraction. Test your own lens rather than relying on the maths alone.