Optics online calculator

Online calculators and formulas for optics calculations

Geometrical optics

Angle of refraction
Light refraction at interfaces according to Snell's law
Prism deviation
calculating optical deviation by a prism
Lens Equation
focal length, object distance and image distance
Mirror Equation
for concave and convex mirrors
Total Internal Reflection
for concave and convex mirrors
Magnification
for optical magnification in lenses and mirrors
Refractive power
Refractive power in diopters with D = 1/f

Wave optics

Grating equation
Diffraction maxima with d·sin(θ)=m·λ
Diffraction
Single slit with a·sin(θ) = m·λ
Double-slit diffraction
Principal maxima with d·sin(θ) = m·λ
Interference
Path difference with Δ = 2t·cos(θ)
Refractive index
Light speed in media with n = c/v

Photometry & Radiometry

Luminous flux
Photometric flux with Φ = I·Ω in lumen
Illuminance
Lux with E = Φ/A or E = I/r²
Luminance
Luminance with L = I/A in cd/m²
Brightness vs. distance
Inverse-square law with E = I/r²

Colors & Spectrum

Wavelength
Conversion λ ↔ f with f = c/λ
Photon energy
Energy of photons with E = h·f
Color temperature
Wien's law with λmax·T = b

Optical instruments

Telescope magnification
Magnification with V = f_ob/f_ok
Microscope magnification
Magnification with V = (L/250)·(f_ob/f_ok)
Numerical aperture
NA calculation with NA = n·sin(α)
Resolving power
Rayleigh criterion with θ = 1.22·λ/D

About Physics

Physics is the science of nature and describes the fundamental laws of the universe. Physical calculations form the foundation for:

  • Mechanical Engineering - Force calculations
  • Electrical Engineering - Energy conversion
  • Automotive Engineering - Motion analysis
  • Civil Engineering - Statics
  • Aerospace - Aerodynamics
  • Medical Technology - Biomechanics
Fundamental Physical Laws
Newton's Laws
F = ma
F₁₂ = -F₂₁
Energy Conservation
E_kin + E_pot = const
W = ΔE
Thermodynamics
ΔU = Q - W
PV = nRT
Wave Physics
v = fλ
n₁sin θ₁ = n₂sin θ₂
Tip: Use dimensional analysis to verify your calculations. Force has dimension [MLT⁻²], energy [ML²T⁻²], and power [ML²T⁻³].

Practical Application Examples

Mechanical Engineering
  • Force calculation: Component design
  • Gears: Transmission ratios
  • Efficiency: Performance optimization
Automotive Engineering
  • Acceleration: Engine power
  • Braking distance: Safety calculations
  • Fuel consumption: Energy efficiency
Civil Engineering
  • Statics: Structural calculations
  • Dynamics: Vibration analysis
  • Material testing: Strength analysis
Energy Technology
  • Heat engines: Efficiency
  • Wind power: Power calculation
  • Solar technology: Energy yield
Quick Reference
F = ma
Force
E = ½mv²
Energy
v = s/t
Speed
P = W/t
Power
p = F/A
Pressure