Skip to content
SoundsMeter

How loud is each decibel level?

Pick a level to see real-world examples, whether it is safe, and how it compares to other sounds.

How the decibel scale works

Decibels (dB) measure sound pressure on a logarithmic scale. 0 dB is the quietest sound a young, healthy ear can detect, and every 10 dB step means ten times more sound energy. Because hearing is also logarithmic, a 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud.

Most everyday readings are A-weighted, written dB(A) or dBA. A-weighting turns down very low and very high frequencies to match how people hear at moderate levels, which is why workplace and environmental noise rules around the world use it.

Hearing risk depends on both level and time. Up to about 80 dB, everyday sounds are considered safe for hearing. From 85 dB(A), NIOSH recommends limiting daily exposure, and the safe time halves with every 3 dB increase. Above about 120 dB, even very short exposure can cause damage.

How to use these pages

Each level page lists familiar sounds at that level, the NIOSH and OSHA exposure limits, the physical sound pressure and energy, and comparisons with the levels above and below.

To check a real environment, open the meter, choose A weighting and watch the Leq value for a minute or two. Leq averages out short peaks and is the number that noise limits and guidelines usually refer to.

Loudness bands at a glance

  • Very quiet0–30 dB

    Barely audible, like rustling leaves or a silent bedroom.

  • Quiet30–50 dB

    Calm background, like a library or a quiet home.

  • Moderate50–70 dB

    Comfortable everyday sound, like normal conversation.

  • Loud70–85 dB

    Noisy, like busy traffic or a vacuum cleaner. Tiring over time.

  • Very loud85–100 dB

    Risk of hearing damage with prolonged exposure. Consider ear protection.

  • Extremely loud100–120 dB

    Hearing damage possible within minutes. Protect your ears.

  • Painful120+ dB

    Immediate risk of permanent hearing damage.

Sources

  1. Noise and hearing loss basics (NIOSH recommended exposure limit), CDC / NIOSH
  2. 29 CFR 1910.95: Occupational noise exposure, US OSHA
  3. Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region (2018), World Health Organization
  4. Safe listening devices and systems: a WHO-ITU standard (H.870), World Health Organization
  5. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss, NIH / NIDCD

Measure the noise around you now

100% private. Audio is analysed on your device and is never recorded or uploaded.

Open the sound meter