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Field of View Calculator
Calculate horizontal, vertical, and diagonal field of view for machine vision cameras from sensor size, focal length, and working distance. The calculator also estimates magnification, angle of view, and object-side pixel scale.
Input Parameters
Results
Use these results as engineering selection values, then verify with actual lens, camera, PCB, or light-source data as appropriate.
Equations Used
Thin-lens field of view:
FOV = Sensor Size × (Working Distance - Focal Length) / Focal Length
Magnification:
M = Focal Length / (Working Distance - Focal Length)
Pixel Scale:
Pixel Size on Object = Horizontal FOV / Horizontal Pixels
Angle Estimate:
Horizontal Angle ≈ 2 × atan(Horizontal FOV / (2 × Working Distance))
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does this field of view calculator do?
It estimates the object-area size captured by a camera lens from sensor size, focal length, and working distance.
Q2: Is the calculation exact for all lenses?
No. It is a thin-lens estimate. Real lenses have principal-plane offsets, distortion, focus breathing, and manufacturer-specific image circle limits.
Q3: Why is working distance important?
For the same focal length and sensor size, a longer working distance captures a larger field of view.
Q4: Can this be used for machine vision camera selection?
Yes. It is useful for selecting a first-pass lens and checking whether a target fits inside the camera frame.
Q5: What should be verified before production?
Verify actual FOV, distortion, focus distance, depth of field, and lens compatibility using camera/lens datasheets or a bench test.
