Exposure Value (EV) Calculator
Calculate Exposure Value from aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Instantly see EV₁₀₀ and match your settings to common lighting conditions. Free online EV calculator.
✓ Free · ✓ No upload · ✓ Works offline in your browser
Results
Exposure Value (EV)
10.9 EV
At ISO 100
EV at ISO 100
10.9 EV₁₀₀
Closest Lighting Scene
Overcast outdoor
EV₁₀₀ = 11
Formula: EV = log₂(f² / t)
f=5.6 · t=1/60 · ISO 100
EV Reference Chart
Understanding Exposure Value
Exposure Value was developed to simplify exposure communication — instead of specifying both aperture and shutter speed separately, a single EV number represents all combinations that produce the same exposure. EV 0 = f/1 at 1s. EV 10 = full shade. EV 15 = bright sunlight.
The Sunny 16 Rule is based on EV: in direct sunlight (EV₁₀₀ = 15), set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to 1/ISO. At ISO 100, that's f/16 at 1/100s. At ISO 400, it's f/16 at 1/400s.
Key EV reference points
- EV 0 — Dimly lit room, candle
- EV 5-7 — Indoor lighting
- EV 11 — Overcast outdoors
- EV 13 — Cloudy, light shade
- EV 15 — Full direct sunlight
- EV 16 — Bright beach or snow
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Exposure Value (EV)?
Exposure Value (EV) is a number that represents a combination of shutter speed and aperture that gives the same exposure, regardless of ISO. EV 0 is defined as f/1.0 at 1 second. Each EV increment doubles or halves the amount of light.
How is EV calculated?
EV = log₂(f² / t), where f is the aperture f-number and t is the shutter speed in seconds. A separate adjustment for ISO gives EV₁₀₀ (EV normalized to ISO 100), which is used in light metering.
What is EV100 or EV at ISO 100?
EV₁₀₀ is the exposure value normalized to ISO 100. It allows you to compare exposures independently of ISO setting. EV₁₀₀ = EV − log₂(ISO/100).
What EV is bright sunlight?
Direct bright sunlight on a clear day is EV 15. This is the basis for the Sunny 16 rule: at ISO 100, f/16, and 1/100s shutter, you get a correct exposure in direct sunlight (EV₁₀₀ ≈ 15).
How does EV relate to exposure stops?
A one-stop change in exposure equals a one-unit change in EV. Doubling the aperture area (one f-stop), doubling shutter time, or doubling ISO all change EV by 1.