Photography & video

ND Filter Exposure Calculator

Find shutter duration after adding a neutral-density filter.

Units clearly labeledCheck practical equipment limits
Photo & video desk
Photo & video desk

Match the sensor, lens and output settings to your equipment.

See the method

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Runs on your device

Your camera calculation

Your result

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Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter unfiltered duration, filter strength.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

Input reference and sample values

Use the units and choices shown for each field. Sample values are provided for practice, not as recommendations.

InputFormat and unitsSample
Unfiltered durationNumeric value. Unit: seconds. Must be greater than zero.0.01
Filter strengthNumeric value. Unit: stops. Zero or positive. Maximum: 30.6

Result for these sample inputs

0.64 seconds

Select Try the example in the form to load these values and calculate them again. This replaces the current form inputs. Compare the result with the method and worked explanation below.

The method, explained

Filtered exposure time = unfiltered time × 2^filter stops.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using unfiltered duration = 0.01 seconds, filter strength = 6 stops, the result is 0.64 seconds. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

What to keep in mind

Assumes actual filter attenuation matches the entered stop value. An ideal geometric or exposure estimate. Lens behavior, stabilization, sensor crop and scene conditions may change practical results.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.