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In photography, the sunny 16 rule (or, less often, the "sunny f/16 rule") is a method to estimate correct daylight exposures without using a light meter.
The basic sunny 16 rule, applicable on a sunny day, is this:
For example, for ISO 100 film, choose shutter speed of 1/100 second (or 1/125 second)
The elaborated form of the sunny 16 rule for more general situations is:
- Set the shutter speed to the setting nearest to the ISO film speed
- Set the f-number according to the table below:
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| Aperture |
Lighting Conditions |
Shadow Detail |
| f/16 |
Sunny |
Distinct |
| f/11 |
Slight Overcast |
Soft around edges |
| f/8 |
Overcast |
Barely visible |
| f/5.6 |
Heavy Overcast |
No shadows |
| f/4 |
Sunset |
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For example, to shoot ISO 100 film in sunny conditions, set the shutter speed to 1/100 or 1/125 and the f-stop to f/16. With ISO 200 film, set the speed to 1/200 or 1/250. For ISO 400 film, 1/400 or 1/500. As with other light readings, the shutter speed can be changed, as long as the f-number is compensated. For example, 1/250th of a second at f/11 would be equivalent to 1/125th at f/16.
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