Definition
What is frame rate in video?
Frame rate is the number of distinct image frames a video records or displays per second, usually written as frames per second (fps). Common rates include 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, and 59.94 fps.
Frame rate affects the cadence of motion and the amount of temporal detail available. A higher rate can make fast action look smoother or provide more frames for slow motion, while a lower rate often creates a more traditionally cinematic cadence. It is separate from resolution, which describes pixel dimensions.
Editors usually set a sequence rate deliberately and conform mixed-rate footage to it. Converting rates can duplicate, discard, blend, or synthesize frames, so mismatches may introduce judder or artifacts. The intended delivery platform and local broadcast standard should inform the decision before shooting.
Example in the edit
A project is edited at 24 fps, while a skateboard shot recorded at 120 fps is interpreted for slow motion so its extra frames play over five times longer without repeated frames.
Why editors use it
Frame rate influences motion, editing rhythm, slow motion, and compatibility. Consistent choices prevent avoidable conversion artifacts and make delivery requirements easier to meet.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Frame rate
Is 24 fps always cinematic?
It is associated with cinema, but the result also depends on shutter, camera movement, lighting, lenses, and the rest of the production choices.
Can you mix frame rates in one edit?
Yes, but the editor must decide how each clip conforms to the sequence. Poor conversion can cause stutter, duplicated frames, or unwanted interpolation artifacts.
Does a higher frame rate mean higher resolution?
No. Frame rate measures images per second; resolution measures the number of pixels in each image.