Frame rate is the number of frames per second that your video or animation displays. It determines how smooth motion appears and how sharp fast action is rendered. With the right fps, you align style, technique, and hardware. Do you want to understand the basics of how frame rate relates to motion? Read more about timing and spacing in animation. Below you will find the core: what fps means, which frame rates are common, and when to choose 24, 30, 60, or 120 fps.
Frame rate, abbreviated as fps (frames per second), is the speed at which individual images are played back in sequence. Our brain combines those frames into smooth motion. Around 24 fps, you already experience a cinematic look, partly due to natural motion blur. In Europe, 25 fps is the historical standard; 30 fps is common in the US and online. Higher frame rates provide more detail during fast motion and reduce motion blur, but they demand more from the camera, lighting, storage, and playback device. Recording and playback go hand in hand: if you film at 60 fps but play back at 30 fps, you sacrifice frames or use the surplus for slow motion. Do not confuse frame rate with shutter speed: that determines the amount of motion blur per frame. You can efficiently test timing and rhythm (including the feel for fps) with an animatic. Read: what is an animatic.
Choices such as “on ones” or “on twos” influence the viewing experience and required frame rate in 2D. Read more: what is 2D animation. Do you want to produce a video at the correct fps? Have a 2D animation made.
In 3D animation, the frame rate is often related to the render output, motion blur settings, and the distribution channel. This provides important context for your choices.
Do you work with puppets or objects? The impact of FPS becomes particularly visible in the frame rate of stop-motion (smoothness versus jerkiness).
Are you creating motion design for social media or explainers? Then pay attention to readability and rhythm; you can read more about this under what is motion graphics. Ready to get started? Have motion graphics made.
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Ask your questionThat depends on your goal. For cinematic storytelling 24 fps, for general online video 25-30 fps, for sports and action 50-60 fps, and for slow motion 120 fps or higher.
60 fps appears smoother and sharper during motion; 30 fps is lighter and more cinematic. Choose 60 fps for action and dynamism, 30 fps for still content and lower bandwidth.
Framerate (fps) is how many video frames your source delivers. Refresh rate (Hz) is how often your screen can refresh per second. You will not see 120 fps fully on a 60 Hz display.
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