How to Calculate Magnifying Power

The magnification of objects can be calculated for a number of different optical systems from photography and single lens to telescopes and microscopes.

The ratio between the size of an object as detected and its actual size is called optical magnification. The formula for this calculation is M= (a+b) / a, where "M" is magnification, "a" is the distance from the source to the object, and "b" is the distance from the object to the detector.

Things You'll Need

• Ruler
• Magnification lens

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Instructions

1. Magnification

   • 1

     Measure the distance "a" from the magnification source to the object being magnified.

   • 2

     Measure the distance "b" from the detector to the object.

   • 3

     Divide the sum of "a" and "b" by distance "a."