Decibel Calculator
Compare everyday noise levels, understand hearing risk, and estimate how loud a sound feels when you combine sources or move farther away.
Noise level explorer
Slide through the decibel scale to compare common sounds and estimated exposure risk.
Generally safe
60 dB
Closest match
Normal conversation
Around 60 dB, moderate.
Next reference point
Normal conversation
60 dB
Estimated safe exposure
No NIOSH time limit at this level
Based on the NIOSH 3 dB exchange rate.
Hearing damage guidance
Long exposure is usually considered low risk for hearing damage.
No NIOSH time limit at this level
Common sounds near this level
Normal conversation
Moderate
Rainfall
Moderate
Vacuum cleaner
Busy
Quiet library
Quiet
Combine two sound sources
Decibels add logarithmically, so two equal sources increase total level by about 3 dB, not double.
Combined sound level
73.0 dB
Distance calculator
In open space, sound pressure level drops by about 6 dB each time distance doubles.
Estimated level at distance
80.3 dB
Approximation assumes a point source in open air with no reflections or barriers.
Decibel reference table
| Sound | Level | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold of hearing | 0 dB | Barely audible |
| Rustling leaves | 10 dB | Very quiet |
| Breathing nearby | 15 dB | Very quiet |
| Whisper | 30 dB | Quiet |
| Quiet library | 40 dB | Quiet |
| Rainfall | 50 dB | Moderate |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB | Moderate |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70 dB | Busy |
| Alarm clock | 80 dB | Loud |
| Lawn mower | 90 dB | Very loud |
| Motorcycle | 95 dB | Very loud |
| Nightclub | 100 dB | Very loud |
| Chainsaw | 110 dB | Dangerous |
| Rock concert | 110 dB | Dangerous |
| Siren nearby | 120 dB | Dangerous |
| Jackhammer | 130 dB | Extreme |
| Jet engine at takeoff | 140 dB | Extreme |
| Firecracker nearby | 150 dB | Extreme |
| Shotgun blast | 165 dB | Extreme |
| Rocket launch nearby | 180 dB | Extreme |
| Theoretical air limit | 194 dB | Extreme |
How to Use
- Move the decibel slider to compare the selected level with common real-world sounds.
- Check the hearing safety panel to see the estimated NIOSH-based exposure guidance.
- Use the sound source combiner to add two noise sources with logarithmic decibel math.
- Use the distance calculator to estimate how much a sound level drops as you move away.
- Review the reference table to compare common household, traffic, and industrial noise levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a decibel?
A decibel, abbreviated dB, is a logarithmic unit used to describe sound level. Because the scale is logarithmic, a small change in dB can represent a large change in actual sound energy.
At what level can noise damage hearing?
Repeated exposure to about 85 dB and above can increase the risk of hearing damage over time. The louder the sound, the less time is considered safe without protection.
Why don't two 90 dB sounds equal 180 dB?
Decibels do not add like ordinary numbers. Two equal sound sources add logarithmically, so two 90 dB sources combine to about 93 dB.
How much does sound drop with distance?
In open air, sound level from a point source drops by roughly 6 dB each time you double your distance from the source. Real rooms and barriers can change the result.