Camera Field Of View Calculator

Enter camera and scene data

Camera label

Sensor preset

Image orientation

Sensor width (mm)

Sensor height (mm)

Lens focal length (mm)

Digital zoom factor

Target distance

Distance unit

Resolution width (px)

Resolution height (px)

Desired overlap between cameras (%)

Target subject width (same unit as distance)

Frontage length to cover

Example data table

Construction planning example

Scenario	Sensor	Focal Length	Distance	Resolution	Coverage Width	Pixels per Meter
Gate monitoring	1/2.8"	4 mm	15 m	3840 × 2160	20.89 m	183.84
Scaffold inspection	1/2.8"	8 mm	20 m	2560 × 1440	13.93 m	183.75
Perimeter overview	1/3"	2.8 mm	25 m	1920 × 1080	42.86 m	44.80

Formula used

Horizontal FOV = 2 × arctan(sensor width ÷ (2 × effective focal length))

Vertical FOV = 2 × arctan(sensor height ÷ (2 × effective focal length))

Diagonal FOV = 2 × arctan(sensor diagonal ÷ (2 × effective focal length))

Coverage width = 2 × distance × tan(horizontal FOV ÷ 2)

Coverage height = 2 × distance × tan(vertical FOV ÷ 2)

Pixels per meter = horizontal resolution ÷ coverage width in meters

Recommended spacing = coverage width × (1 − overlap percent ÷ 100)

Effective focal length equals actual focal length multiplied by the digital zoom factor. Portrait orientation swaps width and height before calculation.

How to use this calculator

Choose a sensor preset or enter custom sensor dimensions in millimeters.
Enter focal length, zoom factor, target distance, and measurement unit.
Add camera resolution to evaluate scene detail and target clarity.
Set overlap percentage when planning multiple cameras along one boundary.
Enter target subject width to estimate how many pixels cover it.
Provide frontage length when you want an estimated camera count.
Submit the form to see the result panel above the form.
Use the export buttons to save the result as CSV or PDF.

Frequently asked questions

1. What does field of view mean for a construction camera?

Field of view describes how wide and tall a camera can see at a chosen distance. On construction projects, it helps plan coverage for gates, scaffold zones, stockyards, haul roads, and safety-critical work areas.

2. Why does focal length change the visible width?

A shorter focal length creates a wider view, so coverage width increases. A longer focal length narrows the view, but improves detail on distant subjects. The calculator shows both trade-offs immediately.

3. Why are sensor dimensions required?

Lens focal length alone is not enough. The same lens behaves differently on different sensor sizes. Sensor width and height determine the final angle of view and therefore the actual scene coverage.

4. What is pixels per meter used for?

Pixels per meter measures scene detail. Higher values improve the chance of reading signs, identifying people, or checking equipment conditions. Lower values are better for general monitoring than for positive identification.

5. How does overlap help camera layout planning?

Overlap reduces blind gaps between adjacent cameras. When you enter overlap percentage, the calculator estimates a safer maximum spacing distance, which is useful for perimeter fences, corridors, and long active work fronts.

6. Can I use feet instead of meters?

Yes. Select feet for field distance and frontage length. The calculator keeps the main coverage output in the chosen unit while still converting internally to show pixels per meter accurately.

7. What does the subject pixel value tell me?

It estimates how many horizontal pixels cover an object of known width, such as a person, signboard, vehicle lane, or access gate. More pixels usually mean better usable detail in recordings.

8. Does this calculator replace an on-site camera test?

No. It is a planning tool. Real performance still depends on mounting height, tilt angle, lighting, weather, compression, lens quality, and obstructions. Use the results to shortlist positions before field verification.