Sound Meter

A professional sound level meter that measures loudness in decibels.

This application will allow you to measure the volume level in decibels. You will be able to view the graph of the noise level, you will see the minimum, average and maximum noise levels.

The decibel is commonly used in acoustics as a unit of sound pressure level. The reference pressure for sound in air is set at the typical threshold of perception of an average human and there are common comparisons used to illustrate different levels of sound pressure. As sound pressure is a root-power quantity, the appropriate version of the unit definition is used:

Sound can be measured with a device called a decibel meter. It samples and measures sound, giving a readout. Decibel meters (also called sound-level meters) can even be accessed on a smartphone through apps. Measuring the sound of an environment with a common device like a smartphone that many people always carry may help protect their ears more often.

On the decibel scale, the smallest audible sound (near total silence) is 0 dB. A sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB. A sound 100 times more powerful than near total silence is 20 dB. A sound 1,000 times more powerful than near total silence is 30 dB. Here are some common sounds and their decibel ratings:

Near-total silence - 0 dB

A whisper - 15 dB

Normal conversation - 60 dB

A lawnmower - 90 dB

A car horn - 110 dB

A rock concert or a jet engine - 120 dB

A gunshot or firecracker - 140 dB

Any sound above 85 dB can cause hearing loss, and the loss is related both to the power of the sound as well as the length of exposure. You know that you are listening to an 85-dB sound if you have to raise your voice to be heard by somebody else. Eight hours of 90-dB sound can cause damage to your ears; any exposure to 140-dB sound causes immediate damage (and causes actual pain). See this page for an exposure "ruler."

What is a decibel?

A decibel is a measure of sound intensity and amplitude using the decibel (dB) scale. The amplitude of a sound depends on its loudness.

How do you calculate decibels?

Calculate the logarithm of the power ratio, then multiple the outcome by 10 to identify the number of decibels.

How many decibels is loud?

A normal conversation is around 60 dB and more than 85 dB can harm your hearing over time. If you’re too close, a loud noise over 120 dB can inflict instant damage to your ears.

Is 100 dB too loud?

Yes, it is too loud for prolonged exposure as anything louder than 85 dB can cause hearing loss. For reference, a farm tractor, motorcycle, and jackhammer are all around 100 dB.

Scientists have studied the effects of NIHL and, based on the levels of sounds in our environment, established recommendations for safe listening. How loud is too loud? The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes to damage hearing. Repeated or prolonged (more than 8 hours a day) exposure to noise louder than 85 dB can permanently damage hearing. And, in case you’re wondering what types of sound measures 85 dB, here is a shortlist of common sounds and how they measure up:

Normal conversation – 60 dB

Heavy city traffic – 85 dB

Lawnmower – 90 dB

MP3 player at maximum volume – 105 dB

Sirens – 120 dB

Concerts – 120 dB

Sporting events – 105 to 130 dB (depending upon the stadium)

Firearms – 150 dB