Time-Lapse Calculator — Find the Perfect Interval for Smooth Sequences
Calculate time-lapse interval, total frames, and final video duration. Whether you're capturing sunsets, construction sites, or star movement, get the math right first.
A time-lapse of clouds racing across a skyline is one of those shots that looks effortless but has a lot of math behind it. Get the interval wrong and your smooth cloud movement becomes a series of jarring jumps. Get it right and you've got something genuinely beautiful.
Work out your numbers before you set up with the time-lapse calculator on CalcHub.
The Basic Formula
Time-lapse works by taking still photos at regular intervals, then playing them back as a video. The interval, total shoot duration, and playback frame rate determine how the final video looks and feels.
- Total frames = shoot duration ÷ interval
- Video duration = total frames ÷ playback FPS
- Subject speed in the video depends on how fast things move relative to your interval
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter your intended shoot duration (e.g., 2 hours)
- Enter your desired final video duration (e.g., 20 seconds)
- Enter your playback frame rate (typically 24 or 30 fps)
- Get the interval in seconds between shots
- See total frame count and storage estimate
Interval Guide for Common Subjects
| Subject | Typical Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-moving clouds | 2–5 seconds | On windy days, even 2s can be fast enough |
| Slow cloud movement | 10–20 seconds | Overcast days, subtle movement |
| Sunrise/sunset | 5–10 seconds | 3–4 hours → ~30 second video |
| City traffic | 1–3 seconds | Captures light trails and flow |
| Plant growth (hours) | 60–300 seconds | Multiple days of shooting |
| Construction (weeks) | 10–30 minutes | Use an intervalometer with AC power |
| Star movement | 15–30 seconds | Shorter for star trails effect |
| Tidal change | 30–60 seconds | Shoreline sessions of several hours |
Frame Count and Storage
A 2-hour shoot at 5-second intervals = 1440 frames. At 24fps playback, that's 60 seconds of video. Each frame at 24 MP is roughly 5–7 MB in JPEG (25–40 MB in RAW). That 1440-frame shoot needs 7–10 GB in JPEG, or 36–58 GB in RAW.
Shoot RAW if the footage is important and you want editing flexibility. JPEG for long-running intervals where storage is limited.
The 180-Degree Rule for Time-Lapse
For smooth-looking time-lapse, some videographers apply a modified 180-degree rule: set shutter speed to roughly twice the interval. At a 5-second interval, shoot at 1/10s or slower. The slight motion blur on each frame helps the playback look fluid rather than staccato.
For sharp, staccato "holy land" time-lapses (crisp individual frames), use fast shutter speeds like 1/500s–1/1000s. Both are valid aesthetics depending on the look you want.
How do I avoid flickering in my time-lapse?
Flicker happens when exposure varies between frames — often due to the camera auto-adjusting aperture or white balance. Use full manual mode: manual exposure, manual white balance, and manual focus. If shooting in changing light, use exposure ramping (Holy Grail technique) or correct flicker in post with tools designed for it.
What intervalometer settings do I need on my camera?
Most mirrorless and DSLR cameras have a built-in intervalometer in the menu. Set your interval (delay between shots), number of frames (or unlimited), and start delay. Some cameras need an external intervalometer for intervals shorter than 1 second or for very long shoots.
Can I do time-lapse with a smartphone?
Yes — most modern camera apps have a built-in time-lapse mode. However, these usually compress the footage heavily and don't give you control over interval or individual frames. For serious time-lapse, a dedicated camera with manual control gives far more flexibility and quality.
Related Calculators
- Shutter Speed Calculator — set the right exposure for each frame
- Photo Storage Calculator — plan card space for your shoot
- Video File Size Calculator — estimate the size of the finished clip