What does negative magnification mean?

The image is inverted (flipped upside down) relative to the object. Positive magnification means an upright image.

What magnification does a flat mirror give?

M = +1, meaning the image is the same size and upright, but laterally reversed (left-right swap).

How does a microscope achieve high magnification?

By combining an objective lens (high magnification) with an eyepiece lens (additional magnification). Total magnification is the product of both.

Free Magnification Calculator

Calculate optical magnification from image and object distances or sizes: M = -di/do = hi/ho.

Save

Image Distance

Object Distance

Magnification

-0.5000

|Magnification|0.5000

Magnification vs Image Distance

View formula & how it works →

Optical Magnification

Magnification describes the ratio of image size to object size.

Formula

M = -d_i / d_o = h_i / h_o

Negative M means the image is inverted. M> 1 means the image is enlarged;M < 1 means it is reduced.

Example Calculation

Image at 15 cm, object at 30 cm.

01M = -di / do
02M = -15 / 30
03M = -0.5
04The image is inverted and half the size of the object.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More

Understanding Newton's Laws of Motion

A comprehensive guide to Newton's three laws of motion. Learn about inertia, force and acceleration, action-reaction pairs, and how these principles govern everyday physics.

Related Calculators

Lens Equation Calculator

Calculate image position with thin lenses.

Mirror Equation Calculator

Calculate image position with mirrors.

Focal Length Calculator

Calculate focal length from lens parameters.