Enter the distance of the object from the lens and the distance the image is formed from the lens to determine the Magnification. This calculator can also determine the image distance or object distance if the other values are known.

Magnification Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the magnification produced by a lens.

M = v / u
  • Where M is the magnification
  • v is the distance of the image formed by the lens
  • u is the distance of the object from the lens

To calculate a magnification magnitude, divide the distance of the image created by the lens from the distance of the object to the lens.

Magnification Definition

Magnification is the process of a lens refracting an image onto a surface and is defined as the ratio of the distance from the image to the distance from the object.

Magnification Example

How to calculate magnification?

  1. First, determine the distance of the object from the lens.

    Using a measurement device, determine the total distance from the object to the lens.

  2. Next, determine the distance of the image formed by the lens.

    As done in step 1, measure the total distance of the image formed by the lens.

  3. Finally, calculate the magnification.

    Plugin the values from steps 1 and 2 into the formula to calculate the magnification.

FAQ

What is magnification?

Magnification is the process of a lens refracted the image of an object onto a surface where it’s large than the object itself.

What does a magnification value mean?

A magnification value of 3, for example, means that the image is 3 times the size of the object.