Sunny 16 Rule Calculator | Exposure Guide

Sunny 16 Calculator

Estimate exposure without a light meter

Exposure Settings

f/16 @ 1/100s
Recommended Exposure

Lighting Conditions Reference

Snow/Sand (very bright)f/22
Sunny (distinct shadows)f/16
Slight overcast (soft shadows)f/11
Overcast (barely visible shadows)f/8
Heavy overcast (no shadows)f/5.6
Open shade / Sunsetf/4

The Sunny 16 Rule

On a sunny day, set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed to 1/ISO. For example, at ISO 100, use f/16 at 1/100s. Adjust aperture for different lighting conditions while keeping the same shutter speed, or use equivalent exposures.