basic

Thin-Lens Magnification from Image and Object Distance Calculator

m = − d_i / d_o.

Compute the linear (transverse) magnification of an image formed by a thin lens or spherical mirror from the object distance d_o and image distance d_i: m = − d_i / d_o. |m| > 1 = image enlarged; |m| < 1 = reduced; m < 0 = inverted (real); m > 0 = upright (virtual).

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

cm
cm

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

m = − d_i / d_o.

In depth

Compute the linear (transverse) magnification of an image formed by a thin lens or spherical mirror from the object distance d_o and image distance d_i: m = − d_i / d_o. |m| > 1 = image enlarged; |m| < 1 = reduced; m < 0 = inverted (real); m > 0 = upright (virtual).