Noise Level Guide & Decibel Meter

Measure ambient noise in real-time using your microphone and compare it to everyday noise levels. Protect your hearing health.

0
dB
Very Quiet
Breathing, rustling leaves
Min
– dB
Max
– dB
Avg
– dB

Noise Level Reference Chart

🍃0–20 dB
Very Quiet — Breathing, rustling leaves
📚20–40 dB
Quiet — Quiet library, whispering
🗣️40–60 dB
Moderate — Normal conversation, office noise
🍽️60–70 dB
Somewhat Loud — Restaurant noise, washing machine
🚗70–80 dB
Loud — Vacuum cleaner, roadside traffic
🚇80–90 dB
Very Loud — Subway, factory noise
🏍️90–100 dB
Dangerous — Motorcycle, concert hall
✈️100+ dB
Extreme Risk — Airplane takeoff, immediate hearing damage risk

Disclaimer

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.

Noise & Hearing Health

According to WHO, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB can cause noise-induced hearing loss. It develops gradually and is hard to notice early. When using earphones or headphones, keep volume below 60% and take 10-minute breaks every 60 minutes (the '60-60 rule').

FAQ

Q. How accurate are browser dB readings?

This tool uses your device's built-in microphone and the Web Audio API for relative noise measurement. Unlike professional sound meters, there is no calibration, so absolute values may be imprecise. It is useful for gauging relative noise changes and approximate levels.

Q. I allowed microphone permission but it's not working.

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. Conflicts can also occur if another app is using the microphone.

Q. Can I use it without a microphone?

Yes. Select 'Manual Input Mode' to enter a dB value directly and view the noise level chart and health information.

Q. At what dB does noise become dangerous?

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.

Complete Noise Level Guide: dB Reference & Hearing Protection

What is a Decibel (dB)?

A decibel (dB) is a unit expressing sound intensity on a logarithmic scale. Every 10 dB increase means 10× more sound energy and roughly 2× louder to the human ear. 0 dB represents the threshold of human hearing; typical indoor background noise is around 30–40 dB.

Everyday Noise Reference Chart

10 dB: rustling leaves, 30 dB: quiet library, 60 dB: normal conversation, 85 dB: city traffic (hearing damage threshold), 110 dB: rock concert, 130 dB: airplane takeoff. Most countries set daytime noise limits around 65 dB and nighttime limits around 60 dB.

Hearing Protection Tips

Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible, making prevention critical. Keep earphone volume at 60% or below and take 10-minute breaks every 60 minutes (the '60-60 rule'). In noisy environments, wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

All calculators and tools on this site are based on the laws, tax rates, and policies of the Republic of Korea.

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only.

Results are estimates and may differ from actual amounts.

© 2025 calculkorea. All rights reserved.

Link copied!