Exposure Value (EV)

Calculate EV for any combination of shutter speed and aperture. Includes the Sunny 16 rule guide — a reliable method for exposure without a light meter.

Shutter Speed

Aperture

Exposure Value (EV)

Sunny 16 Rule Guide

On a sunny day, set your aperture to f/16 and your shutter speed to 1/ISO for correct exposure. For example, at ISO 100: f/16 at 1/100s (or 1/125s nearest standard).

Sunny

f/16 · EV 15

Slight Overcast

f/11 · EV 14

Overcast

f/8 · EV 13

Heavy Overcast

f/5.6 · EV 12

Open Shade

f/4 · EV 11

Equivalent: f/2.8 at

Equivalent: f/5.6 at

Equivalent: ISO 100 at

Equivalent: ISO 400 at

EV Scale Reference

EV -6 to 0: Deep shadow, starlight, moonlight

EV 1-5: Night sports, bright street lighting

EV 6-9: Indoor sports, dim interiors

EV 10-12: Overcast day, open shade

EV 13-15: Bright sun, slight overcast

EV 16+: Bright snow/sand in sunlight