Exposure Bracket Sequence Budget Calculator

Method, formula and assumptions

Include the center and equal counts on both sides. Exposure at offset i = base time x 2^(i x stop spacing). Sum every exposure; add gaps only between frames.

Input definitions and supported units

• Center exposure time (seconds): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0.000001 to 10000; must be positive.
• Frames on each side of center: Whole-number count, from 0 to 10; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
• Stop spacing between frames: Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 4; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
• Gap between exposures (seconds): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 10000; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.

Worked example with answer

A 1-second center with two frames either side at one-stop spacing gives five exposures: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 seconds. Integration totals 7.75 seconds; 0.5-second gaps bring the sequence to 9.75 seconds.

How to use the results

Long exposures dominate the total budget. This models shutter-time bracketing, so aperture and ISO stay fixed.

Results retain full precision internally and display up to four decimal places. Very small nonzero results use scientific notation rather than appearing as zero. Check the labels before comparing values across units.

Limitations and references

It does not choose an HDR scene range or ensure alignment. Camera shutter limits, moving subjects, changing light and readout overhead may invalidate the plan.

The method is a self-contained arithmetic, geometric or explicitly stated mathematical model. There are no imported tariffs, empirical presets or equipment specifications; measured values and allowances must come from your own process.

Related planning tools

• Long Exposure ND Filter Stack Calculator
• Equivalent Exposure Triangle Calculator

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