Sunny 16 Rule
Calculate Sunny 16 Rule instantly with the exact formula and a worked example.
Sunny 16 Rule
ISO
Aperture (f-number)
Lighting (1 = snow/sand, 2 = sunny, 3 = slight overcast, 4 = overcast, 5 = heavy overcast, 6 = shade/sunset)
Shutter speed (1/N)
100
Conditions
Bright sun
Exact shutter speed
1/100
Nearest standard shutter speed
1/125
More about: Sunny 16 Rule
What it calculates
The “Sunny 16 Rule” calculator computes Shutter speed (1/N) from 3 parameters: iso, aperture (f-number), lighting (1 = snow/sand, 2 = sunny, 3 = slight overcast, 4 = overcast, 5 = heavy overcast, 6 = shade/sunset).
Used by photographers and videographers when setting up a shoot.
Example calculation
With parameters ISO = 100, Aperture (f-number) = 16, Lighting (1 = snow/sand, 2 = sunny, 3 = slight overcast, 4 = overcast, 5 = heavy overcast, 6 = shade/sunset) = 2 the result is 100 (The rule gives a starting exposure without a light meter).
How to use
- Enter iso, aperture (f-number) and lighting (1 = snow/sand, 2 = sunny, 3 = slight overcast, 4 = overcast, 5 = heavy overcast, 6 = shade/sunset) — each field above is adjustable with a slider.
- Shutter speed (1/N) is calculated automatically as you type.
- Check the worked example below to see the formula applied to real numbers.
- Copy the result or bookmark this calculator.
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FAQ
How is Sunny 16 Rule calculated?
The Sunny 16 Rule calculator computes Shutter speed (1/N) from iso, aperture (f-number), lighting (1 = snow/sand, 2 = sunny, 3 = slight overcast, 4 = overcast, 5 = heavy overcast, 6 = shade/sunset). Enter your values above and the exact formula is applied instantly; a worked example with real numbers is shown below.
Is the Sunny 16 Rule calculator free?
Yes. It is completely free, needs no signup, runs entirely in your browser, and sends no data to any server.
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