Diffraction Limit
Calculate Diffraction Limit instantly with the exact formula and a worked example.
Diffraction Limit
f-number (f/N)
Wavelengthnm
Sensor pixel pitchµm
Diffraction limit
10.736µm
Airy disk in pixels
2.5
Diffraction-limited aperture
f/6.4
Cutoff frequency
227lp/mm
Sharpness
Diffraction reduces detail
More about: Diffraction Limit
What it calculates
The “Diffraction Limit” calculator computes Diffraction limit in µm from 3 parameters: f-number (f/n), wavelength (nm), sensor pixel pitch (µm).
Used by photographers and videographers when setting up a shoot.
Example calculation
With parameters f-number (f/N) = 8, Wavelength = 550 nm, Sensor pixel pitch = 4.3 µm the result is 10.74 µm (Result is the Airy disk diameter (to the first dark ring)).
How to use
- Enter f-number (f/n), wavelength and sensor pixel pitch — each field above is adjustable with a slider.
- Diffraction limit (µm) is calculated automatically as you type.
- Check the worked example below to see the formula applied to real numbers.
- Copy the result or bookmark this calculator.
Related calculators
FAQ
How is Diffraction Limit calculated?
The Diffraction Limit calculator computes Diffraction limit (in µm) from f-number (f/n), wavelength, sensor pixel pitch. Enter your values above and the exact formula is applied instantly; a worked example with real numbers is shown below.
Is the Diffraction Limit calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no signup, runs entirely in your browser, and sends no data to any server.
More calculators in this category
Explore related free tools