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Calculator Collection

Magnification Calculator vs Macro Magnification Calculator

Two calculators for the same neighbourhood of questions. Here is what each measures, what you feed in, and where you'd reach for one over the other.

Optics

Magnification Calculator

Compute the optical magnification of a lens or mirror by comparing the image height to the object height. Use it to determine whether a lens enlarges, reduces, or inverts an object.

Answers
Magnification (×)
Inputs
Image Height, Object Height
Photography

Macro Magnification Calculator

Compute the image magnification ratio and effective coverage area for macro photography, factoring in focal length, extension tubes, subject distance, and sensor size. Use it to predict how large your subject will appear on the sensor before you shoot.

Answers
Magnification Ratio (:1)
Inputs
Lens Focal Length, Extension Tube Length, Subject Distance, Sensor Width

At a glance

Magnification CalculatorMacro Magnification Calculator
CategoryOpticsPhotography
AnswersMagnificationMagnification Ratio
Inputs24
Result unit×:1

When to use each

Compute the optical magnification of a lens or mirror by comparing the image height to the object height. Use it to determine whether a lens enlarges, reduces, or inverts an object.

Compute the image magnification ratio and effective coverage area for macro photography, factoring in focal length, extension tubes, subject distance, and sensor size. Use it to predict how large your subject will appear on the sensor before you shoot.

Compare page seeded from editorial siblings — both calculators list each other as related.