Magnification Calculator
🔍 Light & optics. Use the Magnification formula to find magnification, image distance v, object distance u: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Negative = the image is upside down.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Magnification | no unit |
| Image distance v | cm |
| Object distance u | cm |
Worked example
Find the magnification when Image distance v = 16.7 cm, Object distance u = 25 cm.
Using m = hi/ho = -v/u: Magnification = -0.668.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Magnification?
m = hi/ho = -v/u. Negative = the image is upside down.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Magnification, Image distance v in cm, Object distance u in cm.
How do you calculate magnification?
Put the values into m = hi/ho = -v/u. For example, with Image distance v = 16.7 cm, Object distance u = 25 cm, magnification = -0.668.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (magnification, image distance v, object distance u) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
