Camera Field of View & Coverage Calculator

Calculate the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal field of view and coverage area for any camera setup.

Enter your camera's sensor size, focal length, and (optionally) the distance to the subject. Instantly get the FOV angles and the real-world area covered at that distance.

Camera FOV Examples

See how different sensor sizes, focal lengths, and distances affect the field of view and coverage area.

Full Frame, 50mm Lens, 10m Distance

Field of View

Classic portrait setup with a full frame sensor and 50mm lens.

Sensor Width: 36 mm

Sensor Height: 24 mm

Focal Length: 50 mm

Distance to Subject: 10 m

APS-C, 24mm Lens, 5m Distance

Field of View

Wide angle shot with an APS-C sensor and 24mm lens.

Sensor Width: 22.3 mm

Sensor Height: 14.9 mm

Focal Length: 24 mm

Distance to Subject: 5 m

Micro Four Thirds, 12mm Lens, 3m Distance

Field of View

Ultra wide view for a small sensor and short focal length.

Sensor Width: 17.3 mm

Sensor Height: 13 mm

Focal Length: 12 mm

Distance to Subject: 3 m

Full Frame, 200mm Lens, 50m Distance

Field of View

Telephoto setup for distant subjects, such as sports or wildlife.

Sensor Width: 36 mm

Sensor Height: 24 mm

Focal Length: 200 mm

Distance to Subject: 50 m

Other Titles
Understanding Camera Field of View & Coverage: A Comprehensive Guide
Master the science behind camera FOV, lens selection, and real-world coverage.

What is Camera Field of View?

  • Definition of Field of View (FOV)
  • Why FOV Matters in Photography and Security
  • How Sensor Size and Focal Length Affect FOV
The field of view (FOV) of a camera describes the extent of the observable world that is seen at any given moment. It is determined by the sensor size and the focal length of the lens. A wider FOV means more of the scene is captured, while a narrower FOV zooms in on a smaller area.
FOV in Different Applications

FOV in Action

  • A security camera with a wide FOV covers more area, reducing blind spots.
  • A telephoto lens with a narrow FOV is ideal for wildlife photography.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Input Sensor and Lens Data
  • (Optional) Enter Distance to Subject
  • Interpret the Results
To use the calculator, enter your camera's sensor width, sensor height, and lens focal length. Optionally, provide the distance to your subject to calculate the real-world coverage area.
Getting Accurate Results

How to Use

  • Entering a 36mm × 24mm sensor and 50mm lens gives a classic full frame FOV.
  • Adding a distance of 10m shows the area covered at that range.

Real-World Applications of Camera FOV

  • Photography and Videography
  • Security and Surveillance
  • Scientific and Industrial Uses
Understanding FOV helps photographers choose the right lens for landscapes, portraits, or sports. In security, it ensures cameras cover the necessary area. In science, it aids in precise measurements and documentation.
FOV Across Industries

Industry Examples

  • A CCTV installer uses FOV to plan camera placement.
  • A biologist uses FOV to document specimen size.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Focal Length vs. FOV
  • Sensor Size Impact
  • Coverage Area Calculation
Many believe a longer focal length always means more zoom, but sensor size plays a crucial role. Coverage area is not just FOV angle, but also depends on distance to subject.
Avoiding Calculation Errors

Misconceptions

  • A 50mm lens on a full frame and APS-C sensor gives different FOVs.
  • Coverage area increases rapidly with distance.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • FOV Angle Formula
  • Coverage Area Formula
  • Worked Examples
The FOV angle is calculated as: FOV = 2 × arctan (sensor size / (2 × focal length)). Coverage area at a given distance is: width = 2 × distance × tan(horizontal FOV / 2).
Sample Calculation

Math in Action

  • A 36mm sensor width, 50mm lens: FOV = 2 × arctan(36/(2×50)) ≈ 39.6°.
  • At 10m, coverage width = 2 × 10 × tan(19.8°) ≈ 7.2m.