Frame rate is a measure of the number of frames of film per unit time. Commonly measured in frames per second (fps), frame rate is one of the factors that determines smoothness of animation. The threshold required to trick our eye into believing that we are seeing motion is generally considered to be 12 fps, though this is dependent on several factors such as speed of motion and the individual viewer. The commonly accepted average frame rate at Brickfilms.com is 15 fps, though 24, 30, and 12 are all fairly common as well, but keep in mind that the higher the chosen frame rate, the harder it will be to animate with it smoothly.. For comparison, standard film movies run at 24 fps; NTSC television runs at approximately 30 fps, and PAL television runs at approximately 25 fps.

Framerate is an important but by no means the only factor contributing to a smooth animation. Even with a high framerate, animation will look jerky if the objects are moved erratically, as opposed to in small, even increments.