Time-lapse Calculator
Work out how long to shoot, how many frames you need, and how much card space a time-lapse will take — or solve for the interval or clip length instead.
The time-lapse math
Frames needed = clip length × frame rate. Shooting duration = frames × interval. A 20-second clip at 30 fps needs 600 frames; at a 5-second interval that means shooting for 50 minutes. Storage = frames × file size per frame.
Choosing an interval
- 1–3 s — fast clouds, busy streets, traffic
- 3–10 s — sunsets, slow clouds, crowds
- 15–60 s — shadows moving, construction, plants
- Minutes+ — multi-day builds, seasons (use an intervalometer with external power)
Frequently asked questions
Should I shoot RAW for time-lapses?
RAW gives far more latitude for deflickering and grading day-to-night transitions, but files are large — use this calculator's storage estimate to check your card fits the whole shoot.
What shutter speed should I use?
For smooth motion, a common rule is a shutter speed of about half the interval (a “180° shutter”). For a 4-second interval, try around 2 seconds, adding ND filtration in daylight if needed.
Last updated: 2026-07-12