framerate

Framerate, or frame rate, is the frequency at which consecutive images, called frames, are displayed or produced per unit of time. It is measured in frames per second (fps). Higher frame rates can make motion appear smoother, while lower frame rates can contribute to a more cinematic feel.

In cinema, the traditional standard is 24 fps. Television and online video commonly use 25 fps or 30 fps, with 29.97 fps used in legacy NTSC broadcasts. Modern high-motion content and gaming often use 60 fps or higher, including 120 fps in some applications.

The choice of framerate affects motion perception and bandwidth. Increasing fps reduces motion blur and judder, but provides diminishing returns beyond about 60 fps for many viewing contexts and requires more data and processing. Conversely, lower fps can introduce noticeable stutter.

Some content uses fixed frame rates, while others employ variable frame rate (VFR), which adjusts fps to match scene complexity or bandwidth. In gaming, frame rate is often tied to hardware performance; audio tracks may be synchronized to frames to maintain lip-sync and timing.

In production and distribution, frame rate must be specified and preserved through capture, edit, and encoding. Displays also have a refresh rate, and compatibility between source frame rate and display refresh rate affects perceived smoothness and timing. Interlaced formats historically affect motion cadence but are largely replaced by progressive formats in modern media.