1. What is Image Magnification?

Magnification is a measure of how much larger or smaller an image is compared to the object itself. It's a dimensionless quantity that describes the ratio of image height to object height.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the magnification formula:

Where:

• Image Height — Height of the produced image (in any units)
• Object Height — Height of the original object (in same units as image height)

Explanation: The magnification is simply the ratio of the image size to the object size. Values greater than 1 indicate enlargement, less than 1 indicate reduction.

3. Importance of Magnification Calculation

Details: Calculating magnification is essential in optics, microscopy, photography, and various imaging technologies to understand the relationship between object and image sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both image height and object height in the same units. Both values must be positive numbers. The result is a dimensionless ratio.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a magnification of 2 mean?
A: A magnification of 2 means the image is twice as tall as the object. If negative, it indicates the image is inverted.

Q2: Can magnification be less than 1?
A: Yes, magnifications between 0 and 1 indicate the image is smaller than the object (reduction).

Q3: What units should I use?
A: Any units can be used (mm, cm, inches, etc.) as long as both measurements use the same units.

Q4: How is magnification different from resolution?
A: Magnification relates to size, while resolution relates to the ability to distinguish between two points (detail).

Q5: Does magnification affect image brightness?
A: Yes, higher magnification typically results in dimmer images as the same amount of light is spread over a larger area.