Crop Factor Calculator

Calculate equivalent focal lengths and understand field of view differences between camera sensor sizes. Perfect for photographers switching between Full Frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds, and other sensor formats.

Field of View Comparison

Lens & Sensor

Results

Equivalent Focal Length
50mm
Crop Factor
1.0x
Field of View
39.6°diagonal

Common Sensor Sizes

Full Frame
1.0x
APS-C Nikon
1.5x
APS-C Canon
1.6x
MFT
2.0x
1 inch
2.7x
1/2.3 inch
5.6x

What is Crop Factor?

Crop factor is a number that represents the ratio between the diagonal measurement of a 35mm (full frame) sensor and the diagonal measurement of a given camera's sensor. It helps photographers understand how the field of view changes when using lenses on different sensor sizes.

How Does Crop Factor Affect Photography?

When you use a lens on a camera with a smaller sensor, the field of view becomes narrower, making it appear as if you're using a longer focal length lens. For example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C camera (1.5x crop) gives you the same field of view as a 75mm lens on a full frame camera.

Common Crop Factors

Full Frame cameras have a crop factor of 1.0x. APS-C sensors typically have crop factors of 1.5x (Nikon, Sony) or 1.6x (Canon). Micro Four Thirds cameras have a 2.0x crop factor, while smaller sensors like 1-inch have around 2.7x crop factor.

Does Crop Factor Change Aperture?

No, the physical aperture of the lens remains the same. However, the depth of field characteristics will be different because you'll typically be standing at a different distance from your subject to achieve the same framing with different sensor sizes.

Calculating Equivalent Focal Length

To find the equivalent focal length, simply multiply the actual focal length by the crop factor. For example, a 35mm lens on a Micro Four Thirds camera (2x crop) gives you the equivalent field of view of a 70mm lens on full frame.

Why is Crop Factor Important?

Understanding crop factor helps photographers make informed decisions when choosing lenses, especially when switching between camera systems or comparing lens options. It's essential for predicting the field of view you'll get with different camera and lens combinations.