Optical Magnification Calculator
Thin lens transverse signed magnification−image/object distance. Not field of view or area magnification. Actual independently established compatible SI units/model context; conditional arithmetic, not code compliance, engineering design or safe operation approval.
Description
Thin-lens transverse magnification has a signed distance-ratio convention.
Thin-lens transverse magnification has a signed distance-ratio convention.1
This tool calculates the supplied signed ratio without substituting field-of-view or area magnification.
When to use Optical Magnification Calculator
Use this tool to calculate the supplied signed ratio without substituting field-of-view or area magnification.
How to use Optical Magnification Calculator and how it works
- Prepare actualSignedImageDistance, actualSignedObjectDistance, with the units, conventions and assumptions below.
- Enter the required fields and run Optical Magnification Calculator.
- Read result.value using the output definitions below.
- Correct any rejected inputs and rerun; interpret the result within the stated model and its assumptions.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| actualSignedImageDistance | Actual Signed Image Distance. Use the units and matching context stated in the calculation below. | number | Required; finite; other constraints below |
| actualSignedObjectDistance | Actual Signed Object Distance. Use the units and matching context stated in the calculation below. | number | Required; finite; other constraints below |
Supply finite signed image and object distances in the same unit, with object distance nonzero. Return -image/object as signed magnification; image distance zero is accepted. The caller must use one consistent optical sign convention.
magnification=-imageDistance/objectDistance Apply the input ordering, units and branch conditions stated above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| result | Object containing the calculated or selected fields below. | object |
| result.value | Signed dimensionless image magnification. | number |
{
"input": {
"actualSignedImageDistance": 1,
"actualSignedObjectDistance": 2
},
"output": {
"result": {
"value": -0.5
}
}
}Limitations and assumptions
The calculation uses the supplied observations and model inputs. It does not collect measurements, select a reference population or coefficient, or establish that the model applies to the actual case. The stated branch conditions and output units remain part of the result.
All fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, wrong types, nonfinite numbers and sparse arrays are rejected. Alignment, bounds and supported-token rules are explained above; extremely large inputs or nonfinite results can also fail. Input errors differ from successful false comparisons, unavailable-domain flags and empty match lists.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Keystone Correction Angle Calculator for a complementary operation: A projected trapezoid's side angle can be calculated from its measured top and bottom widths and height.
Use Lens Maker Equation Calculator for a complementary operation: The thin-lens maker relation depends on relative refractive index and signed surface radii.
References
-
Optical Magnification Calculator — tool.io
Similar or alternative tools
- Keystone Correction Angle Calculator
A projected trapezoid's side angle can be calculated from its measured top and bottom widths and height.
- Lens Maker Equation Calculator
The thin-lens maker relation depends on relative refractive index and signed surface radii.