Time-Lapse Calculator — Shooting Plan
Plan a time lapse: how many frames, how long the clip runs and how much storage it needs.
Formula and sources updated · Data sources · 2View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
A time lapse is defined by its interval, because that sets how much real time each frame of playback represents. Dividing the shoot duration by the interval gives the frame count, and the frame count divided by the playback frame rate gives the clip length. For example, 2 hours at a 5-second interval gives 1,440 frames: a 60-second clip at 24 fps. At 25 MB per frame this needs 36 GB before reserve space and video export. Battery count is only an estimate based on your shots-per-charge input.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Shooting duration 2 hours · Interval between shots 5 seconds · Playback frame rate 24 fps · Average file size 25 MB · Shots per battery charge 500 Frames captured 1,440 · Finished clip length 60.0 seconds · Finished clip length 1.00 minutes · Real time per second of video 2.0 minutes · Storage needed 36.00 GB · Full charges needed (rounded up) 3
Method and assumptions
The frame budget is the whole-number count obtained by dividing shooting seconds by the interval and rounding down. It does not add an extra first shot. If the interval is longer than the whole shooting duration, the budget is zero frames; clip length is zero and real time per playback second is undefined. Divide frames by playback fps for clip seconds. Storage is frames × average MB per frame / 1000 in decimal GB, before extra reserve space or video export. Full charges to budget are frames divided by shots per charge, rounded up, including the first charge. The calculation does not determine how many spare battery packs you personally need or model continuous camera power use.
Data sources
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
N = ⌊3600t ÷ Δ⌋; L = N ÷ fps; S = N × f ÷ 1000; B = ⌈N ÷ b⌉
- N
- Number of frames
- t
- Real time (h)
- Δ
- Interval (s)
- fps
- Playback frame rate
- f
- File size per frame (MB)
- b
- Shots per battery
S uses decimal GB: 1 GB = 1000 MB. Positive inputs are required. Frame count excludes an extra first shot; storage excludes video export and reserve space.
Frequently asked questions
How many frames will the time lapse contain?
Divide shooting duration in seconds by the capture interval and round down to a whole frame. This budgeting convention does not add an extra first shot. Clip duration is frames divided by playback fps. If the interval is longer than the shooting duration, the budget is zero frames and there is no defined real-time-per-playback-second value.
How is storage estimated?
It multiplies frame count by the entered file size per frame and converts MB to GB using 1000 MB per GB. Actual file sizes vary with camera and settings.
What should I check before shooting?
Check the camera’s interval behavior and allow enough time for exposure and writing each image. Take a test sequence to measure file size and battery use. This calculator plans still-image frames; it does not predict camera-specific limits or final video file size.