Timelapse Interval Calculator
Calculate the perfect timelapse interval, number of shots, and final video duration for any scene.
Works for sunsets, clouds, construction, and more.
Timelapse photography compresses time — taking photos at regular intervals and playing them back as a video to show slow processes (sunsets, clouds, construction, plant growth) in fast-forward. Getting the interval right is critical: too short and storage fills fast; too long and the motion looks jerky or you miss the event.
Key Timelapse Formulas
Number of photos needed: Photos = (Video duration in seconds) × (Frame rate in FPS)
Interval between shots: Interval = Total event duration ÷ Number of photos
Total shooting time: Shooting time = Number of photos × Interval
Standard Frame Rates
| FPS | Look |
|---|---|
| 24 fps | Cinematic, film-like |
| 25 fps | European broadcast standard |
| 30 fps | Smooth, broadcast TV (US) |
| 60 fps | Very smooth, sports/action |
Recommended Intervals by Subject
| Subject | Motion Speed | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Fast-moving clouds | Fast | 1–3 seconds |
| Slow clouds / weather | Moderate | 3–10 seconds |
| Sunset / sunrise | Slow | 5–15 seconds |
| Stars / Milky Way | Very slow | 15–30 seconds |
| Crowds of people | Fast | 0.5–2 seconds |
| Traffic | Fast | 0.5–2 seconds |
| Construction site (daily) | Very slow | 1–4 times per day |
| Plant growth | Extremely slow | 1–6 times per day |
| Candle melting | Slow-moderate | 10–30 seconds |
Storage Considerations
Each RAW photo is typically 20–50 MB. Each JPEG is 4–12 MB. Calculate storage needed: Total storage = Number of photos × File size per image
For a 10-second video at 30 fps with 10-second intervals:
- Photos: 10 × 30 = 300 photos
- JPEG storage: 300 × 8 MB ≈ 2.4 GB
- RAW storage: 300 × 25 MB ≈ 7.5 GB
Shutter Speed Note
For smooth timelapse, follow the 180-degree rule: shutter speed = 2 × interval (or use ND filters to achieve this). For a 5-second interval, use a 2.5-second exposure. This creates subtle motion blur between frames that looks natural in the final video.
Battery Planning
Most DSLR batteries last 500–1,000 shots. Plan for power accordingly, especially for long overnight shoots. An AC adapter or external battery bank is ideal for multi-hour shoots.