Have a reference meter or trusted app? Measure the same steady sound with both and move this slider until the readings agree.
Requires microphone access. Levels are computed locally - nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Common Sound Levels
| Sound | Typical level |
|---|---|
| Breathing, rustling leaves | 10-20 dB |
| Whisper, quiet library | 30-40 dB |
| Quiet office, moderate rainfall | 50 dB |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB |
| Busy traffic, vacuum cleaner | 70-80 dB |
| Lawn mower, blender | 85-90 dB |
| Motorcycle, nightclub | 95-100 dB |
| Rock concert, chainsaw | 110 dB |
| Threshold of pain, siren nearby | 120-130 dB |
Hearing-safety rule of thumb: 85 dB is safe for about 8 hours, and every +3 dB halves the safe time. Concerned about your hearing? Try our hearing test.
Decibel Meter FAQ
How accurate is an online decibel meter?
Expect roughly ±5-10 dB compared with a calibrated SPL meter. Phone and laptop microphones are not calibrated, browsers may process the signal, and mic placement matters. The readings are excellent for relative comparisons - is the office louder than yesterday, which room is quieter - and rough absolute estimates. For legal or occupational measurements, use a certified meter.
Can I calibrate this meter?
Yes, roughly. If you have access to any reference - a dedicated SPL meter, or a smartphone app you trust - measure the same steady sound with both and adjust the calibration slider until the readings match. That offset then corrects most of your microphone's bias at similar levels.
What is a safe noise level?
Occupational guidelines allow 85 dB for 8 hours, with safe exposure time halving for every 3 dB above that - 88 dB is safe for 4 hours, 91 dB for 2, and 100 dB for only 15 minutes. Sustained exposure above 70 dB over 24 hours begins to risk gradual hearing damage. If you need to shout to be heard at arm's length, you are in hearing-protection territory.
What is the difference between dB, dBA, and dB SPL?
dB SPL is raw sound pressure level relative to the threshold of hearing. dBA applies A-weighting, which discounts low and very high frequencies to match ear sensitivity - most noise regulations and consumer meters quote dBA. This tool reads broadband level without weighting, so it will read somewhat higher than a dBA meter for rumble-heavy sounds.
Why does the meter show something in a silent room?
Microphone self-noise and room ambience set a floor - typically an indicated 25-40 dB indoors. A truly silent reading is impossible with real hardware. Watch the minimum value: it is effectively your room-plus-microphone noise floor.
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