Raw microphone input
Automatic gain, noise suppression and echo cancellation are requested off. Those browser features change loudness on purpose and make ordinary meters unreliable.
dB(A) · dB(C) · dB(Z) · Leq
Decibel Meter Online: Measure Noise Levels in dB
Turn your microphone into a free sound level meter. This decibel meter shows live dB(A) readings on a gauge, tracks your average (Leq), minimum, maximum and peak, charts the last minute and tells you how long it is safe to listen at that level.
- A, C & Z weighting
- Leq, L10 & L90
- Safe exposure time
- Calibration & CSV export
––dB(A)
Press Start to measure
Session statistics
Not measuring yet
Average (Leq)–
Min–
Max–
Peak–
L10–
L90–
Safe listening time
Start measuring to see how long you can safely be exposed to the average level, based on the NIOSH guideline.
Last 60 seconds
Microphone & calibration
Browser microphones are not certified meters. Readings are estimates; calibrate against a real sound level meter for better accuracy.
Echo cancellation, noise suppression and automatic gain are switched off for more honest readings. Audio is analysed on your device and never recorded or uploaded.
Why it’s better
A more honest online sound level meter
Most online decibel meters show one bouncing number from a microphone that is quietly boosting or suppressing the sound. This one switches those filters off and gives you the measurements real acoustic meters use.
True A, C and Z weighting
Each frequency is weighted with the standard curves before levels are added up, so dB(A) matches how your ears hear, dB(C) keeps the bass, and dB(Z) is flat.
Fast and Slow response
Choose the 125 ms Fast response to catch short sounds or the 1-second Slow response for steady background noise, just like a handheld meter.
Leq, L10, L90 and peak
See the energy average for the whole session, the level exceeded 10% and 90% of the time, the loudest peak and a live 60-second chart. Export every second to CSV.
One-tap calibration
Type the reading from a real sound level meter and press Match. The offset is saved, so the next time you open the page your device is already calibrated.
Private by design
Sound is analysed in your browser and never recorded, stored or uploaded. Nothing to install and no account needed.
| Feature | This decibel meter | Typical online meter |
|---|---|---|
| Auto gain and noise suppression off | Yes | Rarely |
| A, C and Z weighting | Yes | Usually unweighted |
| Fast and Slow response | Yes | No |
| Leq, L10 and L90 | Yes | Min, average and max only |
| Safe exposure time | NIOSH based | No |
| Saved calibration and CSV export | Yes | Sometimes |
How it works
How to measure decibels with your phone or computer
You only need a browser with microphone access.
Start the meter
Press Start measuring and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
Position the device
Point the microphone toward the noise source, keep it still and do not cover it with your hand or a case.
Pick your settings
Use dB(A) and Slow for general noise, Fast for short sounds, and dB(C) for bass-heavy noise like music or machinery.
Read the results
Measure for at least 30 seconds, then use the Leq average, peak and safe listening time. Export CSV to keep a record.
Reference
Decibel levels chart of common sounds
Decibels are logarithmic: every 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud and carries ten times the sound energy. Typical levels, measured at a normal listening distance, are shown below.
| Level | Example sounds | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 20 dB | Rustling leaves, quiet breathing | Barely audible |
| 30 dB | Whisper, quiet bedroom at night | Very quiet |
| 40 dB | Library, quiet home | Quiet |
| 50 dB | Quiet office, moderate rainfall, refrigerator | Comfortable |
| 60 dB | Normal conversation, background music | Comfortable |
| 70 dB | Busy restaurant, TV at home, vacuum cleaner | Noisy, annoying over time |
| 80 dB | Heavy city traffic, alarm clock, food blender | Loud |
| 85 dB | Busy road, hair dryer, noisy workshop | Risk with long exposure |
| 95 dB | Motorcycle, subway train, lawn mower | Hearing damage in under an hour |
| 100 dB | Power tools, headphones at maximum volume | Damage in about 15 minutes |
| 110 dB | Rock concert, nightclub near speakers | Damage in about 2 minutes |
| 120 dB+ | Siren up close, thunderclap, fireworks | Pain, immediate risk |
Hearing safety
How loud is too loud?
The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends limiting exposure to 85 dB(A) averaged over 8 hours. Every 3 dB increase doubles the sound energy, so the safe time halves. The meter uses this rule to estimate your safe listening time.
| Average level | Maximum daily exposure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 85 dB(A) | 8 hours | Busy road, noisy workshop |
| 88 dB(A) | 4 hours | Loud food processor |
| 91 dB(A) | 2 hours | Hair dryer held close |
| 94 dB(A) | 1 hour | Lawn mower |
| 97 dB(A) | 30 minutes | Motorcycle |
| 100 dB(A) | 15 minutes | Power tools |
| 103 dB(A) | 7.5 minutes | Loud sports stadium |
| 106 dB(A) | About 4 minutes | Nightclub |
| 109 dB(A) | Under 2 minutes | Rock concert |
Understand the numbers
dB(A), Leq and other terms explained
Weighting and response
- dB(A) reduces low and very high frequencies the way your ears do. It is used for noise at work, at home and in most regulations.
- dB(C) keeps most of the bass. It is useful for music, machinery and peak measurements.
- dB(Z) is flat with no weighting at all.
- Fast reacts in 125 ms and follows short sounds. Slow averages over 1 second and is easier to read for steady noise.
Statistics
- Leq is the equivalent continuous level: the steady level with the same total sound energy as your whole measurement. It is the best single number for noise exposure.
- L10 is the level exceeded 10% of the time and describes the loud events.
- L90 is the level exceeded 90% of the time and describes the background noise.
- Peak is the highest instantaneous level, useful for bangs and claps.
Use cases
What people measure with a decibel meter
Neighbour and home noise
Record the Leq and peaks of noise from neighbours, parties or appliances, and export CSV as a simple log with times.
Offices and classrooms
Check whether a workspace or classroom is quiet enough to concentrate, and spot the times of day when noise peaks.
Music and events
See how loud rehearsals, gigs and home studios really are, and how long you can listen before you need ear protection.
Nurseries and white noise
Check the level of a white noise machine or fan from where a baby sleeps, and keep it at a gentle, steady level.
Traffic and vehicles
Measure road noise at your window, cabin noise in a car, or compare the loudness of different vehicles.
School science projects
Compare materials for soundproofing, study how sound drops with distance, and graph the results from the CSV file.
FAQ
Decibel meter: frequently asked questions
Is an online decibel meter accurate?
It gives a useful estimate, not a certified measurement. Phone and laptop microphones vary, so uncalibrated readings can be several decibels off. Calibrating against a real sound level meter improves accuracy a lot. For legal or workplace compliance, use a certified Class 1 or Class 2 meter.
What does dB(A) mean?
dB(A) is a decibel reading with A-weighting applied. It reduces the low and very high frequencies that human ears are less sensitive to, so the number matches perceived loudness. Most noise limits and hearing guidelines are given in dB(A).
How many decibels is too loud?
Long exposure above 85 dB(A) can damage hearing. NIOSH recommends no more than 8 hours at 85 dB(A), and the safe time halves with every 3 dB increase, to 15 minutes at 100 dB(A). Sounds above 120 dB can cause pain and immediate damage.
What is a normal noise level at home?
A quiet home is typically 30 to 40 dB(A) at night and 40 to 50 dB(A) during the day. Normal conversation is around 60 dB(A), and a TV or vacuum cleaner can reach about 70 dB(A).
How do I calibrate the decibel meter?
Place your device next to a real sound level meter with a steady sound playing. Once both readings settle, type the real meter’s value into Match a reference reading and press Match. You can also adjust the offset slider by hand. The calibration is saved for your next visit.
Why does my phone stop reading above about 100 dB?
Most phone and laptop microphones are designed for speech and start to distort or limit at very high levels. Readings of very loud sounds such as concerts and sirens will usually be lower than the true level.
Does the decibel meter record my audio?
No. The microphone signal is analysed in real time inside your browser and immediately discarded. Nothing is recorded, saved or uploaded. Only your settings and calibration are stored on your device.
What are Leq, L10 and L90?
Leq is the energy average of the whole measurement and the best single figure for exposure. L10 is the level exceeded 10% of the time and reflects loud events, while L90 is the level exceeded 90% of the time and reflects background noise.
Know exactly how loud it is
Measure noise in seconds with a free decibel meter that respects your privacy and your hearing.
Start the decibel meter