Telescope Magnification Calculator
A free, browser-based calculator. Runs entirely in your browser — no sign up, nothing stored.
Enter Values
How to use this calculator
- Enter the telescope's focal length and the eyepiece focal length (both in mm).
- Optionally add the aperture (objective diameter) for the focal ratio, exit pupil and max useful magnification.
- Read the magnification and optics figures.
How it works
The Telescope Magnification Calculator works out the power of a telescope-and-eyepiece combination and a few related optics figures.
Magnification = telescope focal length ÷ eyepiece focal length. The focal ratio is the focal length ÷ aperture. The exit pupil (aperture ÷ magnification) is the width of the light beam leaving the eyepiece, and a practical ceiling for useful magnification is roughly 2× the aperture in mm.
Worked example
1200 mm scope, 10 mm eyepiece, 150 mm aperture. Magnification = 1200 ÷ 10 = 120×, at f/8, with a 1.25 mm exit pupil. The max useful magnification is about 300×.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just keep using shorter eyepieces for more power?
Up to a point. Beyond about 2× the aperture (in mm) the image gets dim and fuzzy, and atmospheric 'seeing' usually limits you well before the theoretical maximum.
What is the exit pupil?
It's the width of the beam of light leaving the eyepiece. If it's wider than your eye's pupil (about 7 mm in the dark) some light is wasted; very small exit pupils make the image dim.
Related tools
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.