Camera
Shutter Angle Calculator
Convert between shutter speed and shutter angle at any frame rate.
Runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
How to use
- Set your frame rate.
- Enter either a shutter angle or a shutter speed.
- Read the matching value, with 180 degrees as the natural-motion reference.
- Adjust the angle to see how motion blur changes.
Examples
- At 24 fps a 180 degree shutter equals a 1/48 second exposure, the standard cinematic motion blur.
- Narrowing to 90 degrees gives a 1/96 exposure and a sharper, edgier look, think battle scenes.
- At 25 fps a 172.8 degree shutter lands on 1/50, the classic PAL setting that avoids flicker under mains lighting.
Frequently asked questions
What is shutter angle?
It comes from film cameras with a rotating disc shutter. The angle of its opening sets how long each frame is exposed. A 180 degree opening exposes for half the frame duration, the cinema default.
Why is 180 degrees the rule?
It gives motion blur that looks natural to the eye at normal frame rates. Wider angles smear movement, narrower angles make it crisp and staccato. Break it on purpose, for effect.
How does it relate to shutter speed?
Shutter speed in seconds equals the angle divided by 360, divided by the frame rate. The calculator does the conversion both ways so you can work in whichever your camera uses.
