Timelapse Interval Calculator
Planning a timelapse requires calculating the interval between shots, the total number of shots needed, and the resulting clip length. The relationship is straightforward: multiply the desired clip length (in seconds) by the output frame rate to get the total number of frames needed. Then divide the real-world shooting duration by that frame count to get the interval between shots. This calculator works in both directions: enter your event duration and desired clip length to get the interval, or enter interval and duration to see how long your final clip will be.
Timelapse formula
Total shots = clip length (s) x fps
Interval (s) = event duration (s) / total shots
Clip length (s) = total shots / fps
Example: 2-hour (120-minute, 7,200-second) sunset into a 30-second clip at 24 fps. Total shots = 30 x 24 = 720. Interval = 7200 / 720 = 10 seconds between each shot.
Timelapse planning tips
- For smooth motion blur between frames, use a shutter speed of half the interval (e.g., 5-second shutter for 10-second interval) where light permits.
- Moving clouds: use a 5-30 second interval. Sunsets/sunrises: 3-10 seconds. Star trails: 10-30 seconds. Plant growth: minutes to hours.
- Always capture at least 10-20% more shots than you think you need to allow for editing cuts.
- Check that your interval is at least 1-2 seconds longer than your maximum shutter speed to avoid gaps in the sequence.
Timelapse calculator: frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the timelapse shooting interval?
Interval (s) = real-world duration (s) / total shots needed. Total shots = clip length (s) x output fps. Example: 2-hour event into a 30-second clip at 24 fps = 720 shots. Interval = 7200 / 720 = 10 seconds between shots.
How many shots do I need for my timelapse?
Shots needed = desired clip length (seconds) x output frame rate (fps). A 30-second clip at 24 fps requires 30 x 24 = 720 frames. At 30 fps it would need 900 frames.
What output frame rate should I use for timelapse?
24 fps is the standard cinema frame rate and gives a smooth, cinematic feel. 25 fps is common in PAL regions (Europe, Australia). 30 fps is common for web video. For very short intervals and fast-moving subjects, 60 fps can look smooth.
How does shutter speed relate to the interval?
A good rule for smooth timelapse is to set shutter speed to half the interval (the 180-degree rule applied to timelapse). For a 10-second interval, use 1/2 (5 seconds) if possible, or the maximum your exposure conditions allow while still shorter than the interval.
How much storage do I need for a timelapse?
Storage depends on the number of shots and file size per shot. A 24-megapixel RAW file is about 25-30 MB. 720 shots x 28 MB = about 20 GB. JPEG files are much smaller, typically 5-8 MB each. A 720-shot JPEG timelapse would be about 4-6 GB.
Official sources
- SMPTE ST 12-1: Time and Control Code standard (frame rate reference). SMPTE.org.
- ISO 12232:2019: Photography, Digital still cameras. ISO.org.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.