Tools you might need next
Calculate depth of field from aperture, focal length, sensor size, and subject distance. See near and far focus limits for sharp photos.
Convert focal length between camera sensor sizes using crop factor. Find full-frame equivalent focal length for APS-C, MFT, and more.
Calculate maximum print size from image resolution and DPI. Find the largest sharp print dimensions for photo paper, canvas, and wall art.
EV combines aperture and shutter speed into a single number for a given ISO. Each +1 EV doubles brightness; each −1 EV halves it.
EV₁₀₀ = log₂(N² / t) at ISO 100Changing ISO, aperture, or shutter by one stop doubles or halves exposure. You can trade stops between settings while keeping total exposure constant.
ISO × 2 = +1 stop; f-number × √2 = −1 stop; shutter × 2 = +1 stopIn bright sun, ISO 100 and f/16 suggest shutter speed ≈ 1/ISO (e.g. 1/100 s). Adjust stops for clouds, shade, or backlit subjects.
Shutter ≈ 1 / ISO at f/16 in direct sunlightUpdated: July 2026
At EV 15 (sunny day), ISO 100, f/2.8 for background blur suggests ~1/2000 s shutter — verify against your camera's sync speed if using flash.
At EV 6 indoors, ISO 800, f/4 gives roughly 1/30 s. Below 1/focal length, plan for a tripod or higher ISO.
Moving from f/4 to f/11 (−3 stops) requires +3 stops elsewhere — e.g. ISO 100 → 800 or shutter 1/250 → 1/30 s.
Opening aperture (+1 stop) and slowing shutter (+1 stop) adds two stops of light, overexposing by 2 EV. Compensate in opposite directions to hold exposure.
Many cameras cap sync at 1/200–1/250 s. If the calculator suggests 1/2000 s, you must stop down or use high-speed sync flash instead.
Correct exposure balances ISO, aperture, and shutter speed — the exposure triangle. Enter any two settings and a target exposure value (EV) to find the third, or see equivalent exposures when you change one setting by stops.