Time-Lapse Interval Calculator: Seconds Between Shots
This time-lapse interval calculator answers one question: how many seconds between shots? Enter how long you will shoot and how long the finished clip should be. For clip length, photo count, and card space together, use the time lapse photography calculator.
Formula
Interval = event duration (seconds) ÷ (clip length × frame rate). Example: a 2-hour event (7,200 s) made into a 20-second clip at 30 fps needs 600 photos. 7,200 ÷ 600 = 12 seconds between shots. The same method is used on the main calculator.
Typical starting intervals
| Subject | Interval to try |
|---|---|
| Fast clouds, traffic, crowds | 1–3 s |
| Slow clouds, sunsets | 3–10 s |
| Night sky / stars | Exposure length + 1–2 s (often 20–30 s) |
| Construction, plants | Minutes to hours |
Rules of thumb, not fixed values. Adjust after a test run.
GoPro and phones
Many GoPro and phone time-lapse modes offer a fixed list of intervals instead of any value. Pick the closest option to the calculated interval, and check your device manual for which intervals and modes it supports.
Frequently asked questions
What is a time-lapse interval?
The interval is the time from one photo to the next. It equals the shooting time divided by the number of photos, and the number of photos is the clip length times the frame rate.
How often does a time-lapse take a photo?
As often as the interval. A 5-second interval takes one photo every 5 seconds. Keep the shutter speed shorter than that gap.
Also check how much card space you need, or solve for any value in the time lapse photography calculator.