Decibel Levels Chart (dBA): Noise Comparison & Safety Guide
How loud is too loud? Complete decibel (dB) chart with real-world examples. Learn safe exposure limits, understand dBA vs dB, and protect your hearing.
A Decibel (dB) is the unit used to measure the intensity of sound. Because the scale is logarithmic, a small increase in numbers represents a huge increase in loudness.
- +10 dB = 10x the sound energy (perceived as ~2x as loud).
- +20 dB = 100x the sound energy.
| dB Range | Level | Examples | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-20 dB | Nearly Silent | Breathing, Rustling leaves, Sound-proof room | Barely audible |
| 20-40 dB | Whisper | Quiet library, Whisper, Rural night | Very quiet environment |
| 40-55 dB | Quiet | Quiet office, Suburban home, Light rain | Comfortable for concentration |
| 55-70 dB | Moderate | Normal conversation, Background music, Air conditioning | Normal indoor levels |
| 70-85 dB | Loud | Busy restaurant, Vacuum cleaner, City traffic | Noticeable, may interfere with conversation |
| 85-95 dB | Very Loud | Motorcycle, Lawn mower, Loud headphones | Prolonged exposure may cause hearing damage |
| 95-110 dB | Harmful | Power tools, Nightclub, Sports event | Hearing damage possible with extended exposure |
| 110-140 dB | Dangerous | Jet engine, Gunshot, Fireworks nearby | Immediate hearing damage risk |
Decibel Scale Reference Chart
| Level (dBA) | Noise Source | Perceived Loudness | Max Safe Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 dB | Threshold of Hearing | Silence | Indefinite |
| 10 dB | Breathing | Almost Silent | Indefinite |
| 30 dB | Whisper / Library | Very Quiet | Indefinite |
| 60 dB | Conversation | Moderate | Indefinite |
| 70 dB | Vacuum Cleaner | Loud | Indefinite |
| 85 dB | Hearing Damage Risk | Very Loud | 8 Hours |
| 90 dB | Motorcycle / Lawnmower | Dangerous | 2 Hours |
| 100 dB | Chainsaw / Headphones Max | Very Dangerous | 15 Minutes |
| 110 dB | Rock Concert | Extremely Dangerous | 2 Minutes |
| 120 dB | Siren / Pain Threshold | Painful | Immediate Risk |
| 140 dB | Jet Engine / Gunshot | Traumatic | Instant Damage |
How Loud is "Too Loud"?
According to the NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) standards, hearing damage begins at 85 dBA.
- The 3 dB Exchange Rate: For every 3 dB increase above 85 dB, the safe exposure time is cut in half.
Safe Exposure Limits (NIOSH)
- 85 dBA: 8 hours
- 88 dBA: 4 hours
- 91 dBA: 2 hours
- 94 dBA: 1 hour
- 97 dBA: 30 minutes
- 100 dBA: 15 minutes
Warning
Note: Sounds above 120 dB can cause immediate mechanical damage to the ear. Always wear hearing protection (earplugs/earmuffs) when shooting firearms, operating heavy machinery, or attending loud concerts.
Understanding dBA vs. dB
You will often see noise levels written as dBA (A-weighted decibels).
- dB (Linear): Measures total sound pressure equally across all frequencies.
- dBA (A-Weighted): Filters the sound to mimic the human ear. Our ears are less sensitive to deep bass and very high treble. dBA is the standard for measuring hearing damage risk.
FAQ
How can I measure decibels at home?
You can use a dedicated Sound Level Meter (SLM) or a smartphone app like our own Sound Meter. While phone microphones have limitations (usually capping out around 100 dB), they are excellent for general safety checks.
How loud is a normal conversation?
A standard conversation between two people is about 60 dBA. If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone an arm's length away, the background noise is likely above 85 dBA and potentially dangerous.
Can headphones damage hearing?
Yes. Most headphones can reach 105–110 dB at max volume. At that level, permanent damage can occur in under 5 minutes. Use the 60/60 Rule: Listen at 60% volume for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time.
Related Tools:
- Hearing Test - Check for hearing loss
- Hearing Health Guide - Prevention tips
- Frequency Chart - Audio spectrum reference