Stops of Light Calculator
A stop is the fundamental unit of light in photography: one stop means doubling or halving the light that reaches the sensor. Every exposure setting works in stops, so understanding them ties aperture, shutter speed, and ISO together. This calculator finds the difference in stops between two values of any one setting. Enter an old and new aperture to see how many stops brighter or darker the change makes, or do the same for two shutter speeds or two ISO values. It also converts a number of stops into a light multiplier so you can see that three stops is eight times the light. This helps you balance an exposure when you change one setting and need to compensate with another, read filter strengths, and think clearly about brightness. All the math happens in your browser, so nothing you enter is sent anywhere.
How to use Stops of Light Calculator
- Choose the setting to change: aperture, shutter, or ISO.
- Enter the starting and new values.
- Read the difference in stops.
- See the compensating change needed in another setting.
Frequently asked questions
What is a stop of light?
A stop is a doubling or halving of light. This tool converts changes in aperture, shutter speed, or ISO into the number of stops and back, so you can balance exposure.
How do the three settings trade off?
Opening aperture, slowing shutter, or raising ISO each add stops of light, so a change in one can be offset by an equal and opposite change in another to keep exposure constant.
Can it find equivalent exposures?
Yes, adjust one setting and it shows the compensating change in another that keeps the total exposure the same.
What is Stops of Light Calculator?
A stop is the fundamental unit of light in photography: one stop means doubling or halving the light that reaches the sensor. Every exposure setting works in stops, so understanding them ties aperture, shutter speed, and ISO together.
Is Stops of Light Calculator free to use?
Yes. Stops of Light Calculator is completely free, with no sign-up and no usage limits.
Does Stops of Light Calculator work in a web browser?
Yes. Stops of Light Calculator runs in any modern web browser. There is nothing to download or install.
Is my data private with Stops of Light Calculator?
Yes. Stops of Light Calculator runs entirely on your device in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded to a server.
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