Camera
Field of View Calculator
Horizontal, vertical and diagonal angle of view for a given sensor and focal length.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Choose the sensor or film format your camera uses.
- Set the focal length of your lens.
- Set the distance to your subject.
- Read the horizontal, vertical and diagonal angle of view, and the real width and height your frame covers at that distance.
Examples
- A 24mm on full frame gives roughly a 74 degree horizontal view, wide enough for an interior or a moving two-shot in a tight space.
- A 50mm on Super 35 frames noticeably tighter than a 50mm on full frame, closer to a short portrait lens, because the smaller sensor crops in.
- At three metres a wide lens may cover four metres of wall, useful for checking whether a background sign or window will land in shot before you set up.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between focal length and field of view?
Focal length is a fixed property of the lens in millimetres. Field of view is the angle that lens actually sees, which also depends on the sensor size, so the same lens is wider on a big sensor and tighter on a small one.
Which angle of view should I use?
Horizontal angle of view is the most intuitive for framing a landscape or a wide shot. Diagonal is the figure lens makers usually quote, so it is handy when comparing a spec sheet to what you see.
Why does frame width matter?
Knowing how much real width you capture at a given distance lets you plan blocking and backgrounds before you arrive, so you know whether a subject or a set piece will fit without moving the camera.
