Histogram Calculator — Exposure Distribution Analysis

A histogram shows the distribution of tonal values in an image. The left side represents shadows (dark tones), the middle represents midtones, and the right represents highlights (bright tones). The height at each point shows how many pixels have that brightness value.

Clipping occurs when tones are pushed to pure black (0) or pure white (255) with no recoverable detail. Clipped shadows appear as solid black, clipped highlights as solid white. Once clipped, the detail is permanently lost and cannot be recovered in post-processing.

No. A "correct" histogram depends on the subject. A night scene should be shadow-heavy. A snow scene should be highlight-heavy. The key is that the histogram shape matches your creative intent and important detail is not clipped.

ETTR is a digital exposure technique where you deliberately overexpose as much as possible without clipping highlights. This captures maximum data in the highlights where digital sensors are most efficient, then you reduce exposure in post-processing. It results in cleaner shadows with less noise.