Shutter Speed Calculator

How to Calculate Shutter Speed

Shutter speed controls how long the camera sensor is exposed to light. Given aperture (f-number), ISO, and exposure value (EV), the correct shutter speed is:

$$\text{shutter} = \frac{100 \times f^2}{\text{ISO} \times 2^{EV}}$$

Example: f/5.6, ISO 200, EV 15 (bright sun) gives shutter ≈ 1/2090 second.

Exposure Value and Lighting

EV describes scene brightness. Bright daylight is around EV 15, overcast skies EV 12-13, indoor rooms EV 5-6, and moonlit scenes can be EV -3 or lower. Select a lighting preset or enter a custom EV.

Related tool: Exposure Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a slower shutter speed mean?

A slower (longer) shutter lets in more light but can blur moving subjects. Faster shutters freeze motion but need more light or higher ISO.

How does aperture affect shutter speed?

A wider aperture (lower f-number) allows a faster shutter at the same brightness. Shutter speed scales with the square of the f-number.

Should I use the sunny 16 rule?

The sunny 16 rule (f/16, 1/ISO in bright sun) is a quick estimate. This calculator uses the same exposure math with any aperture, ISO, and EV.

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How to Calculate Shutter Speed

Exposure Value and Lighting

Frequently Asked Questions

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