Video · photography
Time-lapse calculator.
Choose whether you know the clip length you want or how long you will shoot. Enter the interval between shots and the playback frame rate to get the frame count, the clip or shoot time, the speed-up and the storage needed.
Your numbers
Result
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
You want a 10 s clip at 24 fps with a shot every 5 s. Frames = 10 × 24 = 240. Shooting time = 240 × 5 s = 20 min. The scene plays 24 × 5 = 120× faster than real time. If each frame is 25 MB, storage is 6,000 MB.
How it works
Frames = clip length × playback fps (rounded up). Shooting time = frames × interval. In the other direction, frames = shooting time ÷ interval (rounded down) and clip length = frames ÷ fps. Speed-up = playback fps × interval.
The interval must be longer than the shutter time plus the camera’s write time, or frames will be skipped. Battery life and card capacity limit long shoots; the storage figure is frames × the file size you enter. Shoot a few extra seconds at each end for editing room.
Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): arithmetic on the numbers you enter (frames = clip length × fps; shooting time = frames × interval). No external data.
FAQ
How do I calculate a time-lapse interval?
Divide the real duration of the event by the number of frames you need. For a 10 s clip at 24 fps you need 240 frames, so a 20 min event gives a 5 s interval.
How many photos do I need for a time-lapse?
Clip length in seconds times playback fps. A 10 s clip at 24 fps needs 240 photos; at 30 fps, 300.
What interval for clouds, sunsets or traffic?
It depends on speed and the look you want. Faster subjects use shorter intervals. Try a short test and adjust; this tool does the arithmetic once you pick a value.
What playback frame rate should I use?
The frame rate of your final video project, often 24, 25 or 30 fps.
Why is the clip length a little different from what I typed?
You cannot shoot a part of a frame, so the frame count is rounded to a whole number.