Drone GSD Calculator
Computes ground sample distance from sensor size, focal length, altitude and image resolution.
Enter Values
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the sensor width, focal length, image width (px) and flight altitude.
- Press Calculate.
- Read the ground sample distance.
How it works
GSD = (sensor width × altitude) ÷ (focal length × image width). A lower GSD means finer detail per pixel.
Worked example
13.2 mm sensor, 8.8 mm, 5472 px, 100 m. ≈ 2.7 cm/px.
Frequently asked questions
What GSD do I need?
It depends on the deliverable — mapping often targets 2–5 cm/px; detailed inspection wants 1 cm/px or finer.
Related tools
- Flight Altitude from GSD Calculator
- Image Footprint Calculator
- Photogrammetry Accuracy Estimate Calculator
- Drone Flight Line Spacing Calculator
- Drone Image Count Calculator
- Ground Control Density Calculator
Explore more in Surveying, Coordinates, GIS & CAD.
Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Drone GSD Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/drone-gsd-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.