Determine Your Macro Magnification

Whether you are just curious, or need to know for some type of paper or documentation, it can be a bit complicated to determine your level of magnification. Hopefully this article will make it easier for you.

Steps

 * 1) Set up the area where you will be doing the measuring. Lay the measuring tape or rule out on a flat surface. Set up a tripod for capturing the image without blur.[[Image:Determine Your Macro Magnification Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2)  Determine the actual size of your sensor.  Some Canon and Kodak are 36 X 24, Nikon D70 is 23.7 X 15.7, etc.[[Image:Determine Your Macro Magnification Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3)  Take a picture of the measuring tape. Start it on a whole number to make your math easier. Be sure that you will be able to see the measurement marks––ensure it is lit well enough.[[Image:Determine Your Macro Magnification Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Do the math. If you get 11.75 and the camera sensor is 23.7, divide 23.7 by 11.75.[[Image:Account for Cost of Goods Sold Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) * 23.7/11 = 2.02
 * 6) Repeat as needed.

Tips

 * Make sure you are comparing like measurements. Don't divide mm by inches.

Things You'll Need

 * A ruler with mm measurements
 * Knowledge of the size of your sensor. For instance, a Nikon D70 is 23.7mm X 15.6mm (23.7 is the important one)
 * A tripod (to keep shots accurate)
 * A notepad to take notes on (optional, but helpful)
 * Lens (if shooting SLR). It doesn't have to be a macro lens. You can use reversing rings and extension tubes to increase magnification.

Related wikiHows

 * Create a Home Macro Photography Studio
 * Create an Inexpensive Photography Lightbox
 * Diffuse Light
 * Shoot Macro Photos
 * Learn Photography by Shooting Macro
 * Photograph Small Things
 * Shoot Macro With a Compact Digital Camera

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.dpreview.com/articles/6519974919/macro-photography-understanding-magnification DPReview.com – research source
 * http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/macro-lenses.htm CambridgeInColour.com – research source
 * OrionMystery