Petzval is a lunar impact crater that lies in the southern latitudes of the Moon's far side.

This crater is located to the south of the larger Lippmann and to the north of Doerfel.

This is a moderately worn crater formation with features that have become rounded and less well defined due to impact erosion.

Within the interior are small craters in the southwest and northeast sections of the floor.

By convention, these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Petzval.