Mirror Formula tool

SARALPHYSICS • INTERACTIVE PHYSICS TOOL

Mirror Formula Calculator

Calculate focal length, object distance, image distance and magnification with an interactive ray diagram.

1/f = 1/v + 1/u

1. Select Mirror Type

Tip: Select the quantity you want to calculate. Enter the other two values with their signs according to the Cartesian sign convention.

2. Enter Values

Object Distance (u)

− +

cm

Calculate this value

Focal Length (f)

− +

cm

Calculate this value

Image Distance (v)

− +

cm

Calculate this value

3. Result

Image Distance

−30 cm

Calculated using the mirror formula

Magnification —

Image Type —

Orientation —

Image Size —

Interactive Ray Diagram LIVE RESULT

Diagram is automatically scaled for visual understanding and may not represent exact physical dimensions.

Cartesian Sign Convention

• All distances are measured from the pole of the mirror.

• Distances measured in the direction of incident light are positive.

• Distances measured opposite to the direction of incident light are negative.

• For a real object placed in front of the mirror, object distance (u) is negative.

• Focal length is negative for a concave mirror and positive for a convex mirror.