# Time-Lapse Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/other/time-lapse/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The time-lapse calculator works out the shooting interval, number of photos and final video length from the event duration, desired clip length and frame rate.

## Inputs

- Event duration (h, min, s)
- Desired clip length (s, min)
- Frame rate
- File size per photo (MB)

## Results

- Photos needed
- Shooting interval
- Speed-up factor
- Storage needed

## Formula

```
Photos = clip length × fps
Interval = event duration ÷ photos
```

## Explanation

Planning a time-lapse means balancing how long the event lasts with how long you want the final clip to be.

### How to use the Time-Lapse Calculator

- **Event duration**
- **Desired clip length**
- **Frame rate**
- **File size per photo**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Multiply the clip length by the frame rate for photos needed, then divide the event duration by that number.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterEvent durationUnits: h, min, sDesired clip lengthUnits: s, minFrame rateChoose one: 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 60 fpsFile size per photoIn MB

### What each result means

- **Photos needed** = ceil([Desired clip length]×[Frame rate])
- **Shooting interval** = [Event duration]÷[Photos needed]
- **Speed-up factor** = [Event duration]÷[Desired clip length]
- **Storage needed** = [Photos needed]×[File size per photo]÷1000

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Event duration** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Event duration (h)Shooting interval (seconds)161.592122.515318424

## Worked example

Inputs — Event duration: 2 h; Desired clip length: 20 s; Frame rate: 30 fps; File size per photo: 25 MB.

Results — Photos needed = 600; **Shooting interval = 12 seconds**; Speed-up factor = 360 ×; Storage needed = 15 GB.

## FAQ

**What interval suits clouds?**
About 2–5 seconds; sunsets 3–10 seconds; stars 20–30 seconds.

**Should I shoot raw?**
Raw gives more editing latitude but uses much more storage.

**What formula does the Time-Lapse Calculator use?**
Photos = clip length × fps.