Magnification Calculator
M = -d_i/d_o = h_i/h_o. Linear magnification of a lens or mirror.
Result
Magnification
0.5000
reduced, upright.
- Sourcedistances
- M0.500000
- |M|0.5000
- Orientationupright
- Sizereduced
Step-by-step
- M = -d_i / d_o = -(-15) / 30 = 0.5000.
How to use this calculator
- Pick distance or heights.
- Enter values.
- Read M with sign.
About this calculator
Linear magnification = ratio of image size to object size, with sign indicating orientation. M = h_i / h_o = -d_i / d_o. |M| > 1 enlarged; < 1 reduced. Sign +: upright (virtual image); −: inverted (real image). Microscope: M = 100-1000+. Camera capturing distant object: M ≈ f / d_o (very small fraction). Magnifying glass: M = 1 + d_n/f where d_n is near-point distance ~25cm.
Frequently asked
Real images form on opposite side of object — inverted. Sign convention encodes this.
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