LERP

Linear Interpolation

A core concept used in animation, game development, and computer graphics to smoothly transition between two values over time. The basic idea is to compute an intermediate value along a straight line between two known points — usually positions, colors, rotations, or other animatable properties.

In practical terms, LERP helps create fluid, natural movement. For example, if an object needs to move from point A to point B, LERP calculates its position at each frame based on a percentage of the total time elapsed. The formula typically looks like this:

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Where:

• A is the start value
• B is the end value
• t is a value between 0 and 1 that represents progress.

When t = 0, the result is A; when t = 1, the result is B; values in between yield a point in between.

While LERP is efficient and straightforward, its motion is uniform, meaning it does not naturally ease in or ease out. For animations that require acceleration or deceleration, techniques such as easing functions or spline interpolation are typically used in addition to or instead of simple linear interpolation (LERP).

Because of its flexibility, LERP is widely used not only for position animation but also for blending colors, scaling objects, interpolating sound levels, and more — making it a foundational tool for animators and developers alike.