The Film Shooting Ratio Calculator helps directors, cinematographers, editors, and production managers measure how much raw footage they shot compared to how much ended up in the final edit. This ratio shows the efficiency of filming and planning. A high shooting ratio means lots of extra takes or coverage were filmed, which can increase storage and editing costs. Knowing the ratio helps crews budget film stock, storage space, and editing time wisely. This calculator belongs to the Film Production Planning and Editing Calculator category and is used from pre-production through post-production.
formula of Film Shooting Ratio Calculator
Shooting Ratio = Total Footage Shot / Final Footage Used
Where:
- Total Footage Shot = total raw footage recorded (minutes, hours, or feet of film)
- Final Footage Used = actual footage that appears in the final movie (same units)
To express the result as a ratio:
Shooting Ratio = X : 1
This means you shot X times the final length.
Common Shooting Ratio Reference Table
This table shows typical shooting ratios for different film types to help you plan production more efficiently.
| Production Type | Typical Shooting Ratio |
|---|---|
| Feature Film | 6:1 to 10:1 |
| Documentary | 10:1 to 20:1 |
| TV Commercial | 20:1 to 40:1 |
| Animation | 1:1 to 2:1 |
| Reality TV | 50:1 or higher |
These values vary based on director style, budget, and shooting conditions.
Example of Film Shooting Ratio Calculator
Let’s check a clear example step by step.
Suppose you shot a total of 600 minutes of footage for a short film. After editing, the final film is 15 minutes long.
- Shooting Ratio = Total Footage Shot / Final Footage Used
= 600 / 15
= 40 - Expressed as a ratio:
40 : 1
This means you filmed 40 times the amount of footage that appears in the final cut.
Most Common FAQs
It shows how efficiently a film production uses time, money, and storage. A lower ratio often means better planning, while a higher ratio may mean more options in the edit but higher costs.
It depends on the project. For narrative films, 6:1 to 10:1 is normal. Documentaries often need higher ratios to capture unexpected moments.
Plan shots carefully, use detailed shot lists and storyboards, and communicate clearly with your crew and cast to avoid unnecessary takes.