Measure ambient noise levels in decibels (dB) in real-time using your microphone. No app installation required — works directly in your browser.
This meter is a reference noise measurement tool using the Web Audio API. Measured values may differ from actual decibel levels depending on microphone quality, browser environment, and ambient conditions. For professional noise measurement, please use certified equipment. Results cannot be used for legal disputes or environmental noise complaints.
Click "Start Measuring" and your browser will request microphone permission. Select "Allow" to enable the microphone. Measurement is not possible if permission is denied.
Once the microphone is active, ambient noise levels are displayed in real-time. The circular meter changes color based on noise level. Minimum, maximum, and average values are also tracked.
Refer to the noise level guide below to understand your current noise level. Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.
A decibel (dB) is a unit measuring sound intensity. It was developed in the 1920s by Bell Telephone Laboratories to measure signal loss in telephone lines, named after Alexander Graham Bell. Decibels use a logarithmic scale, meaning every 10 dB increase represents a 10-fold increase in sound energy: 30 dB → 40 dB: 10× sound energy 30 dB → 50 dB: 100× sound energy 30 dB → 60 dB: 1,000× sound energy Perceived loudness roughly doubles with every 10 dB increase. So 70 dB sounds about twice as loud as 60 dB.
According to WHO, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Permissible noise exposure times (NIOSH): 85 dB: 8 hours 88 dB: 4 hours 91 dB: 2 hours 94 dB: 1 hour 97 dB: 30 minutes 100 dB: 15 minutes Noise-induced hearing loss develops gradually and is hard to notice early. Difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds (birdsong, doorbells) is an early symptom. Damaged hair cells in the inner ear cannot regenerate, making prevention crucial. When using earphones/headphones, keep volume below 60% and take 10-minute breaks every 60 minutes (the '60-60 rule').
Approximate decibel levels of common sounds: 10 dB: Rustling leaves 20 dB: Whisper 30 dB: Quiet library 40 dB: Quiet residential area 50 dB: Moderate rainfall 60 dB: Normal conversation 70 dB: Shower, dishwasher 80 dB: Garbage truck, alarm clock 85 dB: City traffic (hearing damage threshold) 90 dB: Lawn mower 95 dB: Motorcycle 100 dB: Sports stadium 110 dB: Rock concert 120 dB: Siren, thunder 130 dB: Airplane takeoff (pain threshold) 140 dB: Gunshot (instant damage)
This tool uses your device's microphone and Web Audio API to measure relative noise levels. Built-in microphones on smartphones and laptops are not calibrated like professional sound meters, so absolute dB values may be imprecise. However, it's useful for gauging relative noise changes and approximate levels.
Click the lock icon next to the address bar to verify microphone permission is set to 'Allow.' Microphone access may be restricted on non-HTTPS sites. Also, conflicts can occur if another app is using the microphone.
Continuous microphone and audio processing use slightly more battery than normal browsing. For extended measurements, connecting a charger is recommended. Click 'Stop Measuring' when done to release the microphone.
According to NIOSH, exposure to 85 dB or above for over 8 hours risks hearing damage. Every 3 dB increase halves the safe exposure time. Noise above 100 dB is dangerous after 15 minutes, and 120 dB+ causes immediate pain.
Legally valid noise measurements must be conducted by certified agencies with professional equipment. This browser-based tool is for reference only and cannot be used as evidence in legal disputes or environmental noise complaints. However, it can help you pre-assess noise levels.
0 dB doesn't mean 'no sound' — it represents the quietest sound the human ear can detect. True silence (0 dB) is hard to achieve even in soundproof rooms. Normal indoor environments typically measure 30–40 dB due to background noise from HVAC, refrigerators, and electronics.