ND Filter Calculator — Shutter Speed with Any Neutral Density Filter

Q: What ND filter for video in daylight?

For the 180-degree shutter rule (shutter = 1/2×fps), you need ND4-ND8 on a bright day. At 24fps/1/50s in sun: base exposure is ~1/2000s, so you need 5-6 stops (ND32 or ND64) to get to 1/50s. - 180° rule: shutter = 1/(2×fps) - 24fps: shutter = 1/50s - 30fps: shutter = 1/60s - Bright sun (EV 15): need ND64 for video - Variable ND is popular for video run-and-gun

Find the correct shutter speed for any ND filter in seconds

New Shutter

1.1s

Base

1/60

Stops

New Shutter Speed

1.1s

with ND64 (6 stops)

Base

1/60

Factor

64x

Density

1.81 OD

All Filters @ 1/60

ND2 (1 stop)1/30s

ND4 (2 stops)1/15s

ND8 (3 stops)1/8s

ND16 (4 stops)1/4s

ND32 (5 stops)1/2s

ND64 (6 stops)1.1s

ND256 (8 stops)4.3s

ND1000 (10 stops)17.1s

ND4096 (12 stops)1m 8s

ND32768 (15 stops)9m 6s

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$15.984.7

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UBeesize 60-inch Camera Tripod, MT60 Aluminum Monopod Tripod Combo, Lightweight Professional Travel Video Camera Stand with Carry Bag for DSLR, SLR, Cell Phone

$35.994.6

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Example Calculations

1Waterfall with ND64 (6 stops)

Inputs

Base Shutter1/60

ND FilterND64 (6 stops)

Result

New Shutter1.1s

1/60 × 2^6 = 1/60 × 64 = 64/60 = 1.07 seconds.

2Cloud Streaks with ND1000 (10 stops)

Inputs

Base Shutter1/250

ND FilterND1000 (10 stops)

Result

New Shutter4.1s

1/250 × 2^10 = 1/250 × 1024 = 1024/250 = 4.1 seconds.

Show all examples

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate shutter speed with an ND filter?

New shutter = base shutter × 2^stops. A 6-stop ND64 with base 1/60s: 1/60 × 64 = 1.07 seconds. A 10-stop ND1000 with base 1/125s: 1/125 × 1024 = 8.2 seconds.

Formula: new = base × 2^stops
ND4 (2 stops): ×4 time
ND64 (6 stops): ×64 time
ND1000 (10 stops): ×1024 time
Stack filters: add the stops together

Filter	Stops	Factor	Base 1/125s Becomes
ND4	2	4×	1/30s
ND64	6	64×	1/2s
ND1000	10	1024×	8.2s
ND32768	15	32768×	4m 22s

Which ND filter should I buy first?

A 6-stop (ND64) is the most versatile. It turns 1/250s into 1/4s for silky water in daylight. A 10-stop (ND1000) is for extreme long exposures (30s+ in daylight). Variable NDs are convenient but can cause cross-pattern artifacts.

ND64 (6-stop): Most versatile, great for water
ND1000 (10-stop): Cloud streaks, ghost crowds
ND4 (2-stop): Video in bright light
Variable ND: Convenient but may have color cast
Square filter system: No vignetting on ultra-wide

Can I stack ND filters?

Yes, add the stops. ND8 (3 stops) + ND64 (6 stops) = 9 stops total. However, stacking increases the risk of vignetting on wide-angle lenses and can reduce sharpness. Quality filters minimize these issues.

Add the stop values when stacking
ND8 + ND64 = 9 stops
Risk of vignetting on <24mm
Each filter surface = potential flare
Better to buy one strong filter than stack weak ones

What ND filter for video in daylight?

For the 180-degree shutter rule (shutter = 1/2×fps), you need ND4-ND8 on a bright day. At 24fps/1/50s in sun: base exposure is ~1/2000s, so you need 5-6 stops (ND32 or ND64) to get to 1/50s.

180° rule: shutter = 1/(2×fps)
24fps: shutter = 1/50s
30fps: shutter = 1/60s
Bright sun (EV 15): need ND64 for video
Variable ND is popular for video run-and-gun

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

ND Filter Calculator — Shutter Speed with Any Neutral Density Filter

Base Shutter Speed