Optics
Lens Magnification
Linear magnification of a thin lens. Negative values indicate inverted images.
Variables
Munitless
Magnification
dim
Image distance
dom
Object distance
Your notes
0/5000
Check value
Round inputs run through this page's calculator. Use it to test your own working or a rearranged form. It is a test case, not a real-world example.
- di = 2 m (Image distance)
- do = 3 m (Object distance)
Result: M = -0.66666667
Other optics formulas with the same quantities
- Mirror Magnification (Reflection) shares Magnification, Image distance, Object distance
- Mirror Equation (Reflection) shares Object distance, Image distance
Where this formula is listed
- Optics formulas, under Lenses, alongside Lensmaker's Equation, Lens Power and Combined Lens Power.
- In the optics list it comes after Lensmaker's Equation and before Lens Power.
- Optics formula sheet, one of 34 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Lens Magnification formula?
Lens Magnification is written M = −d_i/d_o. Linear magnification of a thin lens. Negative values indicate inverted images. It belongs to Optics, under Lenses.
What are the units in M = −d_i/d_o?
In SI units, M is magnification (dimensionless); d_i is image distance, measured in m; d_o is object distance, measured in m.