framecounts

Framecounts refer to the total number of individual frames in a media sequence, such as a video clip, animation, or rendered sequence. The count is a practical measure of length that complements duration and frame rate, and it is used across production and post-production workflows to quantify a sequence independent of timecode.

Calculation and concepts: In a sequence with duration D seconds and a frame rate F frames per second, the framecount C is D × F. If the result is not an integer due to clocking or frame-rate variations, it is typically rounded to the nearest whole frame. Constant frame rate (CFR) workflows produce a fixed framecount for a given duration, while variable frame rate (VFR) workflows can complicate exact counts because the number of frames can fluctuate with recording conditions or encoding.

Relation to timecode and metadata: Timecode provides a frame-based timestamp for moments within a sequence, tying directly to frame counts when the frame rate is known. Some file formats store explicit frame counts or durations in metadata, while others require calculation from duration and frame rate. Accurate frame counts are important for synchronization, editing, and rendering decisions.

Practical implications: Knowing the framecount helps ensure precise editing operations such as trimming and cutting, audio syncing, and maintaining consistent pacing. In encoding and delivery, frame counts influence GOP structure, keyframe placement, and streaming behavior. Framecounts also matter for playback accuracy, seeking, and compatibility across devices and software.

Examples: A two-minute clip at 24 fps contains 2 × 60 × 24 = 2880 frames. A 90-second sequence at 60 fps contains 90 × 60 = 5400 frames.

See also: Frame rate, duration, timecode, keyframe, GOP.