Frame Rate Calculator

Convert between frame rates, calculate render times, and optimize playback

Health Disclaimer: High frame rates (above 120Hz) may cause eye strain for some viewers during prolonged exposure. Take regular breaks when working with fast-moving visuals.

Tip: For smooth motion, match your project frame rate to your source footage frame rate when possible.

Frame Rate Conversion

Frame Calculation

Advanced Options

Common Scenarios

Frame Rate Guide: Choosing the Right FPS

Standard Frame Rates

  • 24fps: Cinematic film standard
  • 25fps: PAL broadcast standard
  • 29.97fps: NTSC broadcast standard
  • 30fps: Common for web video
  • 60fps: High motion/sports

Conversion Methods

  • Frame Blending: Smoother but softer
  • Optical Flow: Best for motion
  • Nearest Frame: Sharp but jerky
  • Pulldown: For 24→30fps

"Proper frame rate conversion maintains motion quality while avoiding stutter. Our calculator helps choose the best method for your project."

Frame Rate Applications

Cinematic Production

24fps provides the traditional "film look." Use 23.976fps for NTSC compatibility. For high-frame-rate (HFR) films like The Hobbit, 48fps creates ultra-smooth motion but requires careful cinematography.

Broadcast Television

25fps for PAL regions (Europe), 29.97fps for NTSC (Americas/Japan). HD broadcasts often use 50/59.94fps for smoother motion. Always use drop-frame timecode for 29.97fps NTSC.

Gaming & Live Streaming

60fps is standard for smooth gameplay. Competitive esports often use 120fps or higher. Match your stream FPS to your game FPS when possible. For Twitch, 30/60fps are most compatible.

Pro Tip: When converting between frame rates, render at the highest common multiple (e.g., 120fps for 24→30→60 conversions) for best quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why 29.97 instead of 30 fps?

When color was added to NTSC broadcasts in the 1950s, engineers slightly reduced the frame rate to 29.97fps to prevent interference between the video and color signals. This standard persists today.

How does frame rate affect file size?

Higher frame rates mean more frames per second, increasing file size proportionally. 60fps video is roughly twice as large as 30fps at the same quality. Compression efficiency can mitigate this somewhat.

What's the best frame rate for slow motion?

For smooth slow motion, shoot at 2-4x your project frame rate. For 24fps projects: shoot at 48/60fps for 2x slow, 96/120fps for 4x slow. Higher frame rates allow slower playback.

Can you convert 24fps to 60fps without stutter?

Yes, using advanced algorithms like optical flow that create intermediate frames. The 3:2 pulldown method (converting 24→30 first) combined with frame interpolation works well for 24→60 conversions.

Why does 24fps look cinematic but 30fps looks like video?

24fps has more motion blur and judder, which our brains associate with film. 30fps is smoother, resembling live video. The "film look" comes from both frame rate and artistic choices in lighting/cinematography.