Time Lapse Calculator
Calculate time-lapse photography settings. Determine capture interval, total frames, and final video duration based on real-world time and playback frame rate.
How long the event takes in real life
Time between each photo
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the real-world duration of the event you want to capture (in hours).
- Enter your desired playback frame rate (typically 24 or 30 fps).
- Enter either the capture interval (time between photos) OR the total number of frames you want.
- The calculator displays the missing value and the final video duration.
Time-lapse Calculation Formula
Time-lapse calculations relate real-world time, capture interval, total frames, and playback duration:
Interval = (Real Time × 60) ÷ Total Frames
Video Duration = Total Frames ÷ Playback Frame Rate
Example: Capturing 2 hours with 5-second intervals at 24fps: Total Frames = (2 × 60) ÷ (5/60) = 120 ÷ 0.083 = 1,440 frames. Video Duration = 1,440 ÷ 24 = 60 seconds (1 minute).
Full Description
Time-lapse photography compresses long-duration events into short videos, revealing patterns and changes invisible to the naked eye. From sunsets and cloud movements to construction projects and plant growth, time-lapse creates compelling visual narratives. This calculator helps you plan your time-lapse shoots by determining the right capture interval and predicting the final video duration.
The key to successful time-lapse is choosing the right capture interval. Too frequent (short interval) and you\'ll capture too many frames, creating unnecessarily long videos. Too infrequent (long interval) and you\'ll miss important changes, creating choppy or incomplete sequences. The interval depends on how fast your subject changes—fast-moving subjects need shorter intervals, while slow changes can use longer intervals.
This calculator helps you balance these factors. Enter your real-world duration and either your desired interval or total frames, and it calculates the other values plus the final video duration. Use it during pre-production to plan your shoot, estimate storage needs, and ensure you capture the right amount of footage for your desired final video length.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate capture interval for time-lapse?
Divide the real-world duration (in minutes) by the desired number of frames, or use the formula: Interval = (Real Time × 60) ÷ Total Frames. For example, to capture 2 hours in 1440 frames: Interval = (2 × 60) ÷ 1440 = 0.083 minutes = 5 seconds.
What frame rate should I use for time-lapse playback?
24fps or 30fps are standard for smooth playback. 24fps gives a more cinematic feel, while 30fps is smoother. Higher frame rates (60fps) can make very slow events appear smoother but require more frames.
How long will my time-lapse video be?
Video duration = Total Frames ÷ Playback Frame Rate. For example, 1440 frames at 24fps = 60 seconds (1 minute) of video. This calculator shows the final duration automatically.
What interval should I use for different subjects?
Fast events (traffic): 1-2 seconds. Slow events (sunset): 5-10 seconds. Very slow (clouds, construction): 30-60 seconds. Extremely slow (plant growth): minutes to hours. Adjust based on how fast your subject changes.