Frames per second (fps) serves as a metric for quantifying the number of still images, or frames, presented within one second of video or animation. The greater the number of frames, the smoother and more lifelike the movement seems to the observer. Generally, a frame rate of 30 fps or above is regarded as smooth, whereas a frame rate below 30 fps might appear disjointed or jittery.
The standard frame rate for movies and TV shows is 24 frames per second (fps). This represents the minimum frame rate required to create a level of smoothness acceptable to most viewers. The reason lies in the fact that the human eye is capable of processing 24 distinct images within a single second, which suffices to create the illusion of continuous motion. Higher frame rates, such as 48 or 60 fps, are sometimes employed in certain movies and TV shows to attain even smoother motion or to more accurately capture rapidly occurring action.
In video games, the frame rate is often higher than that in film and television, typically ranging from 30 frames per second up to over 100 frames per second. This is due to the fact that video games demand significantly more processing power and usually feature more complex visuals compared to movies or TV programs. Fast-paced action games can particularly benefit from a smoother gameplay experience and more detailed graphics, which can be achieved through a higher frame rate.