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Calculator · CCTV · IEC 62676-4

CCTV pixel density calculator

Enter the camera's horizontal resolution, how far away the target is, and either the field of view or the lens and sensor. You get the pixel density in pixels per metre, the highest level it meets, and how close you need to be for the next one. Choose the 2025 levels or the older 2015 ones.

Your figures

Levels from the
pixels

The width in pixels: 1920 for 1080p, 2560 for 4 MP, 3840 for 8 MP.

m
Work it out from
°

From the camera's data sheet, in degrees.

Result

Enter the resolution, distance and field of view to see the result.

Working

pixel density = horizontal resolution ÷ scene width

  • Pixel density is the horizontal resolution divided by the width of the scene at the target, in pixels per metre (ppm).
  • Scene width at a distance is the distance times 2 × tan(half the field of view). With a lens and sensor it is the distance times sensor width ÷ focal length.
  • 2025 levels: Overview 20, Outline 40, Discern 80, Perceive 125, Characterise 250, Validate 500, Scrutinise 1500 ppm.
  • 2015 levels: Monitor 12.5, Detect 25, Observe 62.5, Recognise 125, Identify 250, Inspect 1000 ppm.
  • Each level is a minimum: the density has to be greater than the figure.

Source: IEC 62676-4 (adopted as BS EN IEC 62676-4:2025). The levels are from the standard's foreword. The 2025 edition replaced the older six levels with seven. BS EN 62676-4:2015 is superseded but still current. The standard defines pixel density as the pixels at the target per metre. This tool measures it across the width of the image.

To find the field of view from a lens, use the lens and field of view calculator.

For guidance only. Always check against the current edition of the standard and the manufacturer's data.

Built by the engineer behind Kerova, certificate software for fire and security firms.