24 FPS = 1440 frames per minute
One minute of final video at 24 FPS needs 1,440 photos. A 10-second clip needs 240.
Frame math
Timelapse Calculator — interval and frame counts
Event / shoot length
Total elapsed time the camera will observe.
Desired output
One photo per frame for a smooth sequence.
Results
Interval:
Frames needed:
Buffer:
How to pick the right interval
- Start with your desired clip length and FPS. Total frames = clip length x FPS.
- Interval = scene duration / total frames. Longer scenes and shorter clips push the interval wider.
- Keep intervals above your camera buffer and card speed. Sub-second intervals can choke slower bodies.
- Use 24 FPS for cinematic motion, 30 for web playback, and 60 for ultra-smooth hyperlapse vibes.
- Round intervals up slightly to add safety if your camera clears slowly between shots.
Tip: Match shutter to roughly half the interval (180 degree rule) for natural blur, especially with ND filters outdoors.
5 Fun Facts about Timelapse Planning
Sunsets compress wildly
Clouds at sunset can change 10 to 50 times faster visually than midday scenes—tighten intervals as light shifts.
Speed of light
Battery drain is sneaky
Long gaps still add up: a 4-hour shoot at a 10-second interval fires 1,440 shots—pack spare batteries or external power.
Power budget
Interval matters more than megapixels
A perfectly spaced interval beats higher resolution when motion is fast. Miss the cadence and the clip feels jerky.
Timing wins
Hyperlapse is just timelapse in motion
Moving the camera between shots turns it into a hyperlapse—interval math still drives smoothness.
Move with purpose
About this timelapse calculator
This calculator removes guesswork before you set up. Enter the scene duration, final clip length, and playback FPS to see the required interval, total frames, and slack time from rounding. The math is simple: total frames = length x FPS, interval = scene duration / total frames.
It runs entirely in your browser so you can use it offline on location. The warning callout flags sub-second intervals that may outrun camera buffers or SD cards. Use the output to pick ND strength and shutter times that keep a natural blur while staying within your camera’s limits.
Test your plan by firing a short burst at the chosen interval and reviewing buffer clearance. If shooting sunrise or sunset, start with this interval and adjust gradually as light changes to prevent flicker.