Time-Lapse Calculator
This calculator plans a time-lapse in either direction. Give it the interval between frames and the playback frame rate, then either how long you will shoot or how long you want the finished clip, and it fills in the frame count and the value you left out. It is the fast way to check a shoot will produce the clip you have in mind before you leave the camera running.
How to use the time-lapse calculator
- Choose a direction: the 'From shoot time' or 'From clip length' tab.
- Set the frame rate by typing it or tapping a 24, 25, 30 or 60 fps preset.
- Enter the interval in seconds, the gap between each captured frame.
- Enter either the shoot duration or the clip length, depending on the tab.
- Read the Frames, Clip length and Shoot time cards, then click the copy button.
Examples
From shoot time: one hour of clouds
From shoot time, 3600 s shoot, 5 s interval, 24 fps
720 frames, 30 s clip, shoot time 60 min
From clip length: a tight 10 second clip
From clip length, 10 s clip, 2 s interval, 24 fps
240 frames, shoot time 8 min, 10 s clip
From shoot time: a slow sunset at 30 fps
From shoot time, 3600 s shoot, 15 s interval, 30 fps
240 frames, 8 s clip, shoot time 60 min
Frequently asked questions
How many frames does a time-lapse need?
In clip mode the tool multiplies the clip length by the frame rate and rounds to the nearest frame. A 10 second clip at 24 fps needs 240 frames, and the same clip at 30 fps needs 300 frames, so a higher frame rate always means more frames.
How long must I shoot for a target clip?
It multiplies the frame count by the interval. For a 10 second clip at 24 fps that is 240 frames, and at a 2 second interval you shoot for 480 seconds, which the Shoot time card shows as 8 min. Lengthening the interval lengthens the shoot in direct proportion.
How do I find the clip length from a shoot?
In shoot mode it divides the shooting time by the interval to get the frames, then divides frames by the frame rate for the clip. One hour at a 5 second interval and 24 fps gives 720 frames and a 30 second clip.
Why is the clip a little shorter than I expected in shoot mode?
Shoot mode rounds the frame count down to a whole frame, because you cannot capture a fraction of a frame in the time available. If the shoot duration does not divide evenly by the interval, that leftover time is dropped, which can trim the clip by a fraction of a second.
What interval should I choose?
Match the interval to how fast the scene moves. Short intervals of 1 to 3 seconds suit rolling clouds, traffic and crowds, while 15 to 30 seconds suits sunsets, and even longer intervals suit stars, construction and plants. The presets on the frame rate row do not set the interval, so type it in yourself.
What frame rate should I render at?
24 fps gives the cinematic look most films use, 25 fps matches PAL broadcast, 30 fps is common for online video, and 60 fps yields the smoothest motion. Because a higher frame rate needs more frames for the same clip, choosing 60 over 24 roughly doubles the frames and the shoot.
Does it account for memory card space or battery life?
No. It plans timing only, not storage or power. To size a card, multiply the frame count by your average file size, and for battery or overheating on long shoots plan external power or an intervalometer, since the tool assumes the camera keeps firing for the whole duration.
Is any of this data uploaded?
No. The maths runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device and nothing is sent to a server. The page keeps working offline once it has loaded.
Learn more
- Time-Lapse Interval Guide: Frames, FPS and Clip Length
How interval, frame rate, shoot time and clip length connect, with intervals for clouds, sunsets and stars and how to plan a shoot both ways.
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