Exposure Triangle Calculator
Calculate exposure value and find equivalent camera settings
Photography
Exposure
Camera Settings
About Exposure Triangle Calculator
This calculator uses the formula EV = log₂(N² / t) where N is the f-number and t is the shutter speed in seconds. The EV is adjusted for ISO to give comparable light readings.
For creative control over depth of field, use our Depth of Field Calculator to understand how aperture affects your images.
When shooting in challenging lighting, the Low-Light ISO Calculator helps you find the optimal ISO settings.
All calculations are performed locally in your browser. No data is sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the exposure triangle?
The exposure triangle consists of three elements that control image exposure: ISO (sensor sensitivity), aperture (lens opening size), and shutter speed (exposure duration). Changing one requires adjusting the others to maintain the same exposure.
What is Exposure Value (EV)?
Exposure Value (EV) is a number that represents a combination of camera settings that give the same exposure. EV 0 equals f/1.0 at 1 second with ISO 100. Each +1 EV halves the light, each -1 EV doubles it.
How do I choose the right ISO?
Use the lowest ISO possible for cleaner images. Increase ISO in low light when you cannot use a wider aperture or slower shutter speed. For low-light situations, try our Low-Light ISO Calculator.
What aperture should I use?
Wide apertures (f/1.8-f/2.8) create shallow depth of field for portraits. Narrow apertures (f/8-f/16) give sharper images with more in focus for landscapes. Use our Depth of Field Calculator to plan.
How slow can I shoot handheld?
The general rule is 1/(focal length × crop factor). A 50mm lens on full-frame needs at least 1/50s. Use our Handheld Shutter Speed Calculator for precise recommendations.