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Physics

Lens Imaging Calculator

Solve thin-lens image distance, magnification, and orientation.

Last validated: 2026-02-14

Lens Imaging Calculator applies the thin-lens equation to relate focal length, object distance, and image distance. Focal length is the distance from the lens to the focal point for parallel incoming light, object distance is the distance from the object to the lens, and image distance is where the image forms. Magnification compares image height with object height; its sign and size indicate whether the image is inverted or upright and enlarged or reduced. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images appear to come from a location where rays do not physically converge. The thin-lens model is useful for optics coursework and camera intuition, but thick lenses, aberrations, aperture, and sensor geometry can affect real optical systems.

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Input Pattern

Enter values in the left panel, keep units explicit, run the calculation, then copy or share the result. Invalid fields are highlighted immediately.

Thin Lens Inputs

Result

Image distance di: 15.00000000 cm

Magnification m: -0.50000000

Image height hi: -1.00000000 cm

Image type: Real

Orientation: Inverted

How to use this tool

  1. Enter Focal length f (cm), Object distance do (cm), Object height ho (cm) for the lens imaging calculator, keeping units, dates, or text format consistent with the form labels.
  2. Confirm all units and known variables before running the calculation so the formula is applied consistently.
  3. Click "Run the tool" and review Thin Lens Inputs, Result for the primary output.
  4. Verify units and assumptions, especially before using the result for design, lab, or safety-sensitive work.

Worked Example

Auto-generated from the tool's current default or entered inputs.

Example Inputs

  • Focal length cm: 10.0
  • Object distance cm: 30.0
  • Object height cm: 2.0
  • Image distance cm: 14.999999999999996
  • Magnification: -0.4999999999999999
  • Image height cm: -0.9999999999999998
  • Image type: real
  • Orientation: inverted

Expected Outputs

  • Focal length cm: 10
  • Object distance cm: 30
  • Object height cm: 2
  • Image distance cm: 15

Interpretation

Confidence and limitations

Formula References

Assumptions

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