Shooting Distance Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Shooting Distance Calculator works
Distance = focal length × (1 + subject size ÷ frame size), taken from the thin-lens equation and measured from the lens. Enter 36 mm for a portrait-orientation shot and 24 mm for landscape on full frame. For a tight head-and-shoulders portrait, use a smaller subject height. Real lenses shift slightly because of focus breathing. Example: To fit a 1.8 m person into a portrait frame with an 85 mm lens, stand about 4.34 m (14.2 ft) away.
Inputs and results
The Shooting Distance Calculator takes 3 inputs and gives 3 results.
What you enter
- Subject height to fit (m) — starts at 1.8.
- Focal length (mm) — starts at 85.
- Frame dimension that fits it (mm) — starts at 36.
What you get
- Shooting distance (m)
- Shooting distance (ft)
- Subject magnification (×)
Example: Shooting Distance Calculator with the starting values
With subject height to fit 1.8 m, focal length 85 mm and frame dimension that fits it 36 mm, the calculator returns:
| Shooting distance (m) | 4.34 |
|---|---|
| Shooting distance (ft) | 14.2 |
| Subject magnification (×) | 0.02 |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Shooting Distance Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Shooting Distance Calculator?
Enter subject height to fit, focal length and frame dimension that fits it in the fields, then read shooting distance (m), shooting distance (ft) and subject magnification (×) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Shooting Distance Calculator calculate?
How far to stand to fit your subject in the frame. It returns shooting distance (m), shooting distance (ft) and subject magnification (×) from the 3 values you provide.
What values does the Shooting Distance Calculator start with?
It opens with subject height to fit 1.8 m, focal length 85 mm and frame dimension that fits it 36 mm so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Shooting Distance Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Shooting Distance Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.