What is Frame Rate?
Definition
Frame rate is how many still images (frames) a video shows each second, measured in fps. Common values are 24 fps for film, 25 or 30 fps for TV and web, and 60 fps for smoother, more fluid motion in gaming and action footage.
A video is a sequence of still images shown quickly enough that the eye perceives continuous motion. Frame rate counts how many of those images appear each second, written as fps (frames per second). At 24 fps the video shows 24 distinct frames every second; at 60 fps it shows 60. Higher frame rates capture more moments of motion, so fast action looks smoother.
Frame rate affects both the look and the file size. Film and most cinema use 24 fps. Broadcast and online video typically use 25 fps in PAL regions or about 30 fps (29.97) in NTSC regions. Sports, gaming, and slow-motion source footage often use 60 fps or higher. More frames per second means more data to store and stream, so higher fps generally increases file size at the same resolution and quality.
Frame rate is often confused with playback speed, but they are different. Frame rate is how many frames are recorded or displayed per second; playback speed is how fast that footage runs. You can slow a 60 fps clip into smooth slow motion because there are extra frames to spread out over time. Frame rate is also separate from resolution, which is the pixel dimensions of each frame.
Quick facts
- Measured in fps (frames per second)
- 24 fps is the standard for film and cinema
- 25 fps (PAL) and ~30 fps (NTSC) are common for TV and web
- 60 fps and above give smoother motion for gaming and sports
- Higher fps means smoother motion but larger files