A timelapse calculator helps you plan every aspect of a timelapse shoot before you press record. Enter your event duration, shooting interval, frame rate, and camera resolution to instantly see the total number of frames, final video length, and estimated storage needed. You can also work backwards — enter a desired video length and let the tool calculate the interval for you.
Timelapse Settings
Results
Solve for Interval
Recommended Interval
How to Use the Timelapse Calculator
Timelapses compress hours of real time into seconds of video, revealing the hidden movement of clouds, stars, flowers, and city life. Planning the right interval and shooting duration is essential — too few frames results in choppy video, while too many frames creates an unnecessarily long shooting session. This timelapse calculator does the planning for you in seconds.
Step 1: Choose Your Mode
Use Standard mode when you know how long the event lasts and what interval you want to use — the calculator tells you how many frames you will capture and how long the final video will be. Use Solve for Interval mode when you have a target video length in mind and need to know what interval to program into your intervalometer.
Step 2: Enter Event Duration
Type in how long your event lasts — from a quick 20-minute cloud timelapse to a 12-hour construction site shoot. The calculator accepts hours, minutes, and seconds so you do not need to convert anything. For longer multi-day projects, enter the total hours across the shoot period.
Step 3: Set the Shooting Interval
The interval is how often the camera takes a photo. Common starting points: 2s for clouds and sunsets, 30s for weather patterns, 5min for flower blooms, 30min for construction. Make sure your interval is always longer than your shutter speed — you cannot shoot every second if your shutter is open for 1.5 seconds.
Step 4: Select Frame Rate and Resolution
Choose the frame rate at which you will play back the sequence in your editing software. 24fps is the standard for a natural cinematic feel. Higher frame rates produce a more fluid but hyperrealistic result. Select your camera resolution so the storage estimate is accurate — a 45MP camera produces much larger RAW files than a 20MP body.
Step 5: Read Your Results
The results panel shows total frames, final video length, shooting duration, and estimated storage. Use these numbers to pack enough memory cards and batteries. If the video length is too short, decrease your interval or increase the shooting duration. If you are running low on storage, switch from RAW to JPEG or increase the interval.
Higher Frame Rate = Shorter Video
A common misconception: increasing the playback frame rate from 24fps to 60fps does NOT smooth out the timelapse — it actually shortens the video. If you have 720 frames, playback at 24fps gives a 30-second clip. The same 720 frames at 60fps only gives a 12-second clip. Plan your interval and event duration with your target frame rate in mind.
FAQ
Is this timelapse calculator free?
Yes, this timelapse calculator is completely free with no account, login, or signup required. All calculations run instantly in your browser and no data is sent to any server.
Is my data private when using this tool?
Absolutely. Everything runs locally in your browser. No settings or project data are transmitted or stored anywhere. You can use it offline once the page has loaded.
What interval should I use for a timelapse?
Interval depends on the subject. Clouds and sunsets: 2-5 seconds. Flowers blooming: 1-5 minutes. Construction: 15-60 minutes. Stars/Milky Way: 25-30 seconds. As a rule, faster-moving subjects need shorter intervals. This calculator helps you find the interval that produces your target video length.
How many frames do I need for a timelapse video?
For smooth playback, you need at least 24 frames per second of video. A 10-second clip at 24fps needs 240 frames minimum. A 30-second clip at 30fps needs 900 frames. For a 2-minute video at 24fps, you need 2880 frames — this calculator counts them automatically.
What frame rate should I use for timelapse?
24fps is the cinematic standard and gives the smoothest, most natural look. 25fps is standard in PAL countries (Europe, Australia). 30fps is common for online video and social media. Higher frame rates like 60fps can give a hyperrealistic look but require more frames — and longer shooting sessions.
How much storage does a timelapse need?
Storage depends on your camera's resolution and file format. A full-frame camera shooting RAW files at 24MP produces roughly 25-30MB per image. A 1000-frame timelapse in RAW could use 25-30GB. Shooting JPEG reduces this by 80-90%. This calculator estimates storage based on your camera resolution choice.
Can I calculate the interval from my target video length?
Yes. Use the 'Solve for Interval' mode: enter your event duration, desired video length, and frame rate — the calculator works backwards to tell you exactly what interval to set on your camera.
What is the difference between a timelapse and hyperlapse?
A timelapse is shot from a fixed camera position over time. A hyperlapse involves physically moving the camera between each frame, creating a traveling time-compression effect. Both use the same frame interval principles, and this calculator works for both types.