Compare calculators
Both calculators run independently — change the inputs on either side to compare results.
Optics
Telescope Resolution Calculator
Determine the angular resolution, light-gathering power, or limiting magnitude of a telescope based on aperture and wavelength. Perfect for amateur astronomers comparing instruments or planning observations.
Fill in the required fields to see your result.
Optics
Optical Resolution Calculator
Determines the minimum resolvable distance between two point sources through a microscope or lens using the Rayleigh criterion. Essential for microscopists, optical engineers, and anyone specifying imaging system performance.
Fill in the required fields to see your result.
Key differences
| Telescope Resolution Calculator | Optical Resolution Calculator | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Optics | Optics |
| Inputs required | 4 | 4 |
| Result | Result | Lateral Resolution (μm) |
| What it does | Determine the angular resolution, light-gathering power, or limiting magnitude of a telescope based on aperture and wavelength. Perfect for amateur astronomers comparing instruments or planning observations. | Determines the minimum resolvable distance between two point sources through a microscope or lens using the Rayleigh criterion. Essential for microscopists, optical engineers, and anyone specifying imaging system performance. |