FOV Calculator is a free online tool for CCTV design.

Focal length

How to choose the focal length?

The selection of the focal length depends on the parameters:

• surveillance camera installation locations
• distance to the observation target
• the width of the viewing area at a distance where you are required to solve the video surveillance task

If you know the distance to the observation target and the width of the field of vision, you are able to calculate the required focal length for a given matrix size.

CCTV camera resolution

How to choose the camera sensor resolution?

If you know the focal length and the pixel density criterion for the selected observation target, you can calculate the camera’s minimum sufficient matrix resolution.
Rating of cameras with different resolution in 2020

FOV Calculator

Launch FOV Calculator

How to use a FOV Calculator?

1. Set the field of view:
• target distance
• camera installation height
• observation target height
• width of the observation area in the area of the observation target



2. Set the main camera parameters:
• sensor format
• camera resolution
• focal length



3. Check the criteria for operator’s task:
• pixel density is shown in the upper right window. Target resolution is in PPM (pixels per meter) or PPF (pixels per foot) at the target distance.
• pixel density distribution on the top view is shown graphically by colored areas: Red – identification 250 PPM/76 PPF or higher, Yellow: recognition 125 PPM / 38 PPF, Green: observation 62 PPM/19 PPF, Light green: Detection 25 PPM/8 PPF, Blue: monitoring 12 PPM/4 PPF.
• the angle of tilt of the camera to the horizon
• the dead zone or blind spot under the camera



If necessary, return to steps 2 (change the camera resolution or focal length) or 1 (choose a different location for the camera)

4. Select a camera model:
• choose a manufacturer
• select a model with parameters close to the design parameters



5. Agree on a technical solution:
• view areas in two planes (top, side)
• 3D view area
• “Camera view”

IP Camera Bandwidth calculator | User comments and case studies from CCTV system designers and installers