Panorama Overlap Calculator
Calculate the number of flat horizontal panorama frames and the angular step between frames.
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Enter horizontal field of view, required coverage, and overlap as a fraction.
- Calculate the angular step and minimum frame count.
- Use the result as a flat horizontal planning estimate and review overlap guidance.
Formula and source
Step = F × (1 − overlap). If required coverage A ≤ F, n = 1; otherwise n = ceil((A − F) / step) + 1. Nikon guidance often suggests roughly one-third to one-half overlap between panorama frames: Nikon, “Yes, I Pan: Pursuing the Bigger Picture”: https://www.nikonusa.com/learn-and-explore/c/ideas-and-inspiration/yes-i-pan-pursuing-the-bigger-picture
Planning limits
This is flat horizontal planning only. It does not model parallax, spherical panoramas, vertical rows, lens distortion, stitching software, or a guaranteed seam-free result. Nikon’s overlap guidance is practical advice, not a guarantee.
Local processing
The calculation runs in this browser. Inputs are not uploaded or stored.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
What does overlap 0.4 mean?
It means 40% of the horizontal field of view is shared by adjacent frames.
Why is one frame enough sometimes?
When required coverage is no greater than one frame’s horizontal field of view, the minimum count is 1.
Does this plan spherical panoramas?
No. It plans a single flat horizontal row only.