What is exposure value (EV) and how is it used?

Exposure value (EV) is a number that represents a combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO that produces the same exposure. Photographers use EV to quickly compare different setting combinations or to match a camera’s lighting conditions to a standard reference table.

Can I use an exposure calculator with any camera?

Yes, the exposure calculator works with any camera that allows manual control of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The resulting EV is a standard value that can be compared across different camera systems.

Why do I need to know the exposure value?

Knowing the EV helps you understand how changes to one setting, like increasing ISO, affect the overall exposure. It is useful for maintaining consistent brightness when you adjust settings for different lighting situations.

Is the exposure value the same as the light meter reading?

Exposure value and light meter readings are related but not identical. EV is a numerical representation of the exposure combination, while a light meter typically measures the actual light falling on the subject and suggests settings based on that measurement.

Do I need to convert light units when using an exposure calculator?

Only if you are working with light measurements outside of photography, such as in lighting design or photography involving lumen or lux ratings. For standard camera settings, the exposure value is calculated from aperture, shutter speed, and ISO alone.

Photography & Video2 options compared

Exposure Calculator

Calculates the equivalent exposure value based on three fundamental camera settings: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. This online tool allows users to determine how changes in one setting affect the overall light captured by a camera. By inputting values for these parameters, the calculator provides an accurate assessment of the resulting photographic exposure, ensuring consistent and...

Photo and video calculators

Editors’ Top PickBased on community votes

Number Convert

numberconvert.com

Convert light and illumination units with this free exposure calculator. Essential for photography and lighting design.

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Omni Calculator
omnicalculator.com
This exposure calculator will help you determine the equivalent exposure value from the three common camera settings:...
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Exposure Calculator options compared

Tool	Best for	Strengths	Limitations
Omni Calculator omnicalculator.com	Photographers wanting a full-featured EV calculator	Full ISO and shutter speed dropdowns Clean interface with no ads	No light unit conversions
Number Convert numberconvert.com	Users needing light unit conversions	Converts between light units like lumens and lux Handles ISO, aperture, and shutter speed inputs	Ads on the page Fewer unit options compared to dedicated converters

Buyer's guide

How to choose a exposure calculator

When picking an exposure calculator, the most important factor is whether you need only the exposure value or also want to convert between light measurement units like lumens and lux. If you are only adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to find the equivalent EV, Omni Calculator gives you the full range of settings without distractions. If your workflow involves converting light levels from one unit to another, Number Convert handles those conversions alongside the exposure math.

Questions

Exposure Calculator FAQ

What is exposure value (EV) and how is it used?: Exposure value (EV) is a number that represents a combination of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO that produces the same exposure. Photographers use EV to quickly compare different setting combinations or to match a camera’s lighting conditions to a standard reference table.
Can I use an exposure calculator with any camera?: Yes, the exposure calculator works with any camera that allows manual control of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The resulting EV is a standard value that can be compared across different camera systems.
Why do I need to know the exposure value?: Knowing the EV helps you understand how changes to one setting, like increasing ISO, affect the overall exposure. It is useful for maintaining consistent brightness when you adjust settings for different lighting situations.
Is the exposure value the same as the light meter reading?: Exposure value and light meter readings are related but not identical. EV is a numerical representation of the exposure combination, while a light meter typically measures the actual light falling on the subject and suggests settings based on that measurement.
Do I need to convert light units when using an exposure calculator?: Only if you are working with light measurements outside of photography, such as in lighting design or photography involving lumen or lux ratings. For standard camera settings, the exposure value is calculated from aperture, shutter speed, and ISO alone.

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