What is focus stacking?

Focus stacking is a photography technique where multiple images taken at different focus distances are combined in post-processing to produce an image with greater depth of field than any single image could achieve.

How do I calculate step distance for focus stacking?

Step distance depends on your lens focal length, aperture, magnification, and camera sensor pixel pitch. The formula is based on pixel-limited depth of field: DoF = (2 × pixel pitch × effective f-number) / magnification². This calculator does the math for you automatically.

What step size should I use for macro focus stacking?

At 1:1 magnification with a typical macro lens at f/8, step sizes typically range from 100–250 micrometers (µm) depending on your camera sensor. At higher magnifications the steps get smaller. Use this calculator to find the exact value for your setup.

Can I use this calculator for microscope focus stacking?

Yes. Switch to the Microscope Objective tab and enter your objective magnification and numerical aperture (NA). The calculator uses geometric depth of field to give you the correct step distance for infinity-corrected objectives with a 200mm tube lens.

Focus Stacking Step Distance Calculator — Macro & Microscope Photography

Focus Stacking Step
Distance Calculator

Macro & Microscope Photography

Lens Type

Focus Distance

Near Focus Far Focus

Focal Length (mm)

Aperture (f/)

Magnification (×) = 1:1

Infinity-corrected objective · 200 mm tube lens · air immersion

Objective Magnification (×)

Numerical Aperture (NA)

Camera

Pixel Pitch (μm) auto-filled from camera selection

Or enter sensor width + pixels

e.g. 35.9 mm wide, 9504 px → 3.78 μm

Camera

Camera Model

Pixel Pitch (μm) auto-filled from camera selection

Stack Settings

Frame Overlap

30%

Higher overlap = more frames, more reliable stacking alignment. 20–40% typical.

Results

Step Distance

—

enter parameters above

Depth of Field

—

Magnification

—

Hyperfocal Distance

—

Effective f-stop

—

at this magnification

Enter your lens parameters above to calculate the ideal step distance for focus stacking.

About this calculatorThis free focus stacking calculator helps macro photographers and microscopists find the correct step distance between frames. Enter your lens focal length, aperture, and focus distance — the calculator instantly outputs the optimal step size in micrometers or millimeters.
Unlike traditional depth-of-field calculators based on circle of confusion (CoC), this tool uses a pixel-pitch based formula that matches how focus stacking software such as Helicon Focus, Zerene Stacker, and Adobe Photoshop actually evaluates sharpness — giving you accurate, real-world results.
Compatible with Canon RF and EF macro lenses, Sony FE macro lenses, Nikon Z macro lenses, Fujifilm XF macro lenses, and microscope objectives up to 100× magnification.

A Steinfarm Tool