ND Filter Exposure Calculator

Get your new shutter speed instantly

📷 Pick your metered shutter speed and ND filter to get the adjusted long-exposure time. Stack a second filter and the stops add up. ⚠️ Never view or shoot the sun through regular ND filters — use a dedicated ND100000 solar filter only.
Long Exposure Conversion
ND Filter Factor & Stops Chart
FilterFactorStops (EV)Optical density
ND210.3
ND420.6
ND830.9
ND1616×41.2
ND3232×51.5
ND6464×61.8
ND128128×72.1
ND256256×82.4
ND400400×8.62.6
ND10001,000×103.0
ND100000100,000×16.65.0
ND1000 is conventionally 1024× (10 stops). ND100000 is for solar/eclipse photography only.
FAQ
How much longer is my exposure with an ND1000?
Light drops to 1/1000 (technically 1/1024, 10 stops), so multiply your shutter time by ~1000. Example: 1/125s → ~8s, 1/60s → ~17s.
How do stacked ND filters combine?
Factors multiply and stops add. ND8 (3 stops) + ND64 (6 stops) = 9 stops, 512×. Select a second filter above and it is included automatically.
Which ND is best for waterfalls and seascapes?
In daylight, ND64 (6 stops) to ND1000 (10 stops) is typical for smooth water. On overcast days or near sunrise/sunset, ND8–ND64 is often enough.
Can I photograph the sun with an ND filter?
Not with regular ND filters — your eyes and sensor can be damaged. Use a dedicated ND100000 (16.6-stop) solar filter for sun and eclipse photography.
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About the ND Filter Calculator

A neutral density filter cuts light without shifting color, letting you shoot long exposures in daylight — silky waterfalls, streaking clouds, empty streets. Multiply your shutter time by the filter factor: 1/60s with an ND1000 (10 stops) becomes about 17 seconds. This tool does the math for any standard speed and filter combination, including stacked filters where stops simply add.

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