How is field of view calculated?

Field of view (FOV) is calculated using the formula: FOV = 2 x arctan(sensor dimension / (2 x focal length)). The sensor dimension used determines whether you get horizontal, vertical or diagonal FOV. This assumes a rectilinear (non-fisheye) lens.

What affects field of view?

Two factors: focal length and sensor size. Shorter focal lengths give wider FOV. Larger sensors give wider FOV at the same focal length. A 50mm lens on full frame gives 39.6° horizontal FOV, but only 27.0° on APS-C (1.5x crop).

What is the coverage area at a given distance?

The coverage area is the physical width and height of the scene captured at a given distance. At 10m with a 50mm full-frame lens, you capture approximately 7.3m x 4.8m of the scene. This is useful for planning group photos, architecture and event coverage.

What focal length gives a natural perspective?

The human eye has roughly 40-60° horizontal FOV for the central field of attention. A 43mm lens on full frame matches the sensor diagonal and gives about 53° diagonal FOV — considered the natural perspective. The classic 50mm lens is close at 46.8° diagonal.

PhotoCalcs

Field of View Calculator — Horizontal, Vertical & Diagonal FOV

Calculate the horizontal, vertical and diagonal field of view for any lens and sensor combination.

Focal Length

Lens focal length

Sensor Size

Your camera sensor

Subject Distance

Distance to subject

How We Calculate This

Field of view is calculated from the sensor dimensions and focal length:

FOV Formula

FOV = 2 x arctan(dimension / (2 x focal length))

Use sensor width for horizontal FOV, height for vertical, and diagonal for diagonal FOV.

Scene Coverage

Coverage = 2 x distance x tan(FOV/2)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard optical and photographic formulas. Results may vary with specific equipment.