The depth in which metal detectors can detect metal objects depends on several factors, including the size and composition of metal objects, the sensitivity of metal detectors, the type of soil and rock and the level of soil mineralization.

In general, metal detectors can detect objects the size of coins at a depth of up to 40 centimeters in ideal conditions, while larger objects can be detected at a depth greater than that. In principle there is relations between metal objects size In the ground and range of detector depth.

Coil size and type which is used on metal detectors can also affect its detection depth. With larger coils can detect objects at deeper depths but lower sensitivity to smaller targets. While the smaller coils are more sensitive to smaller targets but with lower detection depth.

Mineralizing land can also affect the depth of detection, with high levels of iron on the ground reducing the range of metal detector detection.