Film Calculator
Calculate film runtime, total frames, and cost estimates for different film formats. Essential for planning film shoots and budgeting.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the length of film you have or plan to use in feet (standard film reels are 400, 800, or 1000 feet).
- Select your film format (35mm, 16mm, 8mm, etc.) from the dropdown.
- Enter your shooting frame rate (typically 24fps for film, but can be 30, 48, or 60fps).
- The calculator displays total frames, runtime in minutes, and a rough cost estimate.
Film Calculation Formula
Film runtime and frame count depend on format-specific frame sizes and frame rate:
Runtime = Frames ÷ Frame Rate (in minutes)
Example: 400 feet of 35mm film at 24fps: 35mm has 16 frames per foot, so 400 × 16 = 6,400 frames. Runtime = 6,400 ÷ 24 = 266.67 seconds = 4.44 minutes.
Full Description
Film photography and cinematography require careful planning, especially when working with physical film stock. Unlike digital, film has finite length and significant cost per foot, making it essential to calculate requirements accurately before shooting. This calculator helps filmmakers and photographers plan their shoots and budget accordingly.
Different film formats have different frame sizes, affecting how many frames fit per foot of film. 35mm film (the standard for professional cinema) has larger frames and runs at approximately 90 feet per minute at 24fps. 16mm film (popular for independent films) has smaller frames and runs at about 36 feet per minute. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning.
This calculator provides estimates for total frames, runtime, and rough cost based on film format and length. Use it during pre-production to budget film stock, plan shooting schedules, and ensure you have enough film for your project. Remember to account for retakes, multiple takes, and editing needs when ordering film stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much film do I need for my project?
Film length depends on your desired runtime and frame rate. At 24fps, 35mm film runs at 90 feet per minute. For a 10-minute film, you'd need approximately 900 feet of 35mm film. Always add 10-20% extra for retakes and editing.
What's the difference between film formats?
35mm is the standard professional format (largest frame, best quality). 16mm is popular for independent films (good quality, more affordable). 8mm and Super 8 are consumer formats (smaller, more portable, lower cost). Each format has different frame sizes and run times.
How do I calculate film cost?
Film costs vary by format and supplier. 35mm typically costs $0.50-1.00 per foot, 16mm costs $0.30-0.60 per foot, and 8mm costs $0.20-0.40 per foot. Processing costs are additional. The calculator provides rough estimates—check with suppliers for current prices.
How does frame rate affect film usage?
Higher frame rates (like 48fps or 60fps) use more film per second of runtime. For example, shooting at 60fps uses 2.5x more film than 24fps for the same runtime. Always account for frame rate when calculating film needs.