Exposure value (EV)
EV from your aperture, shutter and ISO.
About this tool
This tool converts an aperture, shutter speed, and ISO into a single Exposure Value number. EV expresses the overall brightness of an exposure setting on one logarithmic scale, where each whole number is one stop apart. It helps you compare settings, read grey-card meters, and match exposures across different lens and shutter combinations.
How to use it
- Enter the aperture (f-number) you plan to use.
- Enter the shutter speed for the exposure.
- Enter the film ISO so the value is referenced correctly.
- Read the resulting EV number to compare it against a meter reading or another setting.
FAQ
What does one EV difference mean?
One EV equals one stop, so it doubles or halves the amount of light. EV 12 is twice as bright a setting as EV 11.
Is EV the same as brightness of the scene?
EV as calculated here describes the camera settings. Scene brightness is often written as EV at ISO 100, so always note the ISO the value refers to.