Calculate image distance and magnification for spherical (concave or convex) mirrors.
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Enter focal length and object distance to resolve the image
About this calculator
Overview
The mirror equation is the governing law of geometric optics for mirrors. It provides a mathematical relationship between the distance of an object from the mirror, the distance of the resulting image, and the mirror's focal length.
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Pro Tips
Use positive (+) focal length for Concave mirrors (Converging).
Use negative (-) focal length for Convex mirrors (Diverging).
Object distance (do) is always positive in this calculator.
A negative image distance (di) indicates a virtual image located behind the mirror.
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Fun Facts
"Convex mirrors are used in parking garages because they have a wider field of view, though they make cars appear further away."
"The focal point is the place where all parallel incoming light rays meet after being reflected by a concave mirror."
"The first reflecting telescope was built by Isaac Newton in 1668, using a mirror instead of lenses to avoid chromatic aberration."
