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Thin Lens Calculator

Find image distance from 1/f = 1/do + 1/di and magnification m = −di/do.

 

 

Image distance (m)
Magnification

About this calculator

Use this calculator for a thin lens (or a spherical mirror with the same algebra) in Cartesian sign convention: f > 0 for a converging lens, object distance do > 0 in front.

di > 0 is a real image on the far side; di < 0 is virtual. |m| > 1 is enlarged. If the object sits at the focal plane there is no finite image. Thick-lens and aberrations are ignored.

Focal length (m): Positive for converging. 10 cm is 0.1 m.

Object distance (m): Object to lens, in metres.

Image distance (m): di from 1/f = 1/do + 1/di.

Magnification: m = −di/do.