Decibel Level Chart
Explore logarithmic level differences, a documented measurement example and occupational reference criteria separately. Use our noise meter to measure your environment.
One scale. Different questions.
A decibel value is a logarithmic ratio, not the name of a sound. These landmarks are mathematical positions, not measured examples.
30 dB
+0 dB from 30
×1 intensity
60 dB
+30 dB from 30
×1,000 intensity
85 dB
+55 dB from 30
×316,227.766 intensity
100 dB
+70 dB from 30
×10,000,000 intensity
120 dB
+90 dB from 30
×1,000,000,000 intensity
Mathematical comparison
Intensity ratio = 10^(difference / 10). This is not perceived loudness or exposure dose. For pressure amplitude, the corresponding ratio is 10^(difference / 20), under matching conditions.
Measured example: one chainsaw, three operating conditions
Stihl MS 291 · A-weighted sound pressure at the operator’s ear · DIN EN ISO 22868. The same model changes with load; these are not universal chainsaw levels.
Engine running; chain not driven
Chain running free
Cutting wood
Accredited DLG test commissioned for one model. Operator position defined by the test code; not a bystander measurement or an exposure assessment. Declared sound power is deliberately excluded.
85 dBA is also a NIOSH occupational reference — not a universal boundary.
That criterion includes an eight-hour average and a 3 dB exchange rate. The reference-dose table below is separate from the mathematical scale and the test measurements.
Understanding the Decibel Scale
The decibel scale is logarithmic. For comparable intensity levels, a 10 dB increase means ten times the intensity; 20 dB means one hundred times. An 80 dB level and a 40 dB level differ by a factor of 10,000 in intensity, provided their reference and measurement conditions match.
Perceived loudness is a different question: frequency, spectrum, duration and the listener all matter. The 30, 60, 85, 100 and 120 dB landmarks above do not name particular sounds or establish universal hearing or pain thresholds.
When interpreting noise measurements, context matters as much as the number. A 50 dB reading in a bedroom at midnight feels intrusive, while the same level in a busy office goes unnoticed. Consider not just the absolute level but the environment, time of day, and duration of exposure when assessing whether a noise level is acceptable.
NIOSH Occupational Reference Dose
Calculated from the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (85 dBA over 8 hours) with a 3 dB exchange rate. Each duration corresponds to 100% of the recommended daily dose at a constant measured level; mixed periods contribute to the same dose. Values are rounded, not safe listening times or guarantees against hearing loss. The browser reading cannot establish a dBA exposure.
NIOSH 98-126, §1.1 and Table 1-1 ↗
| Level (dBA) | Duration for reference dose | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 85 dBA | 8 hours | NIOSH |
| 88 dBA | 4 hours | NIOSH |
| 91 dBA | 2 hours | NIOSH |
| 94 dBA | 1 hour | NIOSH |
| 95 dBA | ≈ 47.6 minutes | NIOSH |
| 97 dBA | 30 minutes | NIOSH |
| 100 dBA | 15 minutes | NIOSH |
| 103 dBA | ≈ 7.5 minutes | NIOSH |
| 105 dBA | ≈ 4.7 minutes | NIOSH |
| 110 dBA | ≈ 1.5 minutes | NIOSH |
| 115 dBA | ≈ 28.1 seconds | NIOSH |
When to Wear Hearing Protection
Needing to raise your voice can be a warning sign, not a calibrated measurement. NIOSH recommends 85 dBA as an eight-hour occupational reference with a 3 dB exchange rate. This differs from OSHA's legal framework and is not an individual safe-time guarantee.
Actual hearing-protector attenuation depends on the product, fit and conditions. Laboratory ratings are not guaranteed personal reductions, and earplug and earmuff ratings cannot simply be added. Use suitable protection and fit assessment for the exposure.
WHO Recommended Limits
WHO guidance uses different quantities and averaging periods for sleep, communication and community noise. These cannot be collapsed into universal limits:
Residential indoors
Metric-specific
Sleep guidance distinguishes averages and individual events
Classrooms
Condition-specific
Background noise and speech communication, not a class in session
Outdoor living areas
Assessment-specific
Community guidance needs its stated time period
Night-time outdoors
Long-term average
Do not treat an annual outdoor average as an indoor instant limit
Compare Everyday Sounds
Want to see how everyday sounds stack up against each other? Our dedicated sound level comparison chart lets you browse 30+ common noises by category — household, transportation, nature, workplace, and entertainment — and discover which sounds pose a risk to your hearing.
View Sound Comparison ChartWhat Does Your Environment Sound Like?
Measure your environment instantly and compare it to the chart above.
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The Complete Guide to Noise Levels and Decibels
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Read article →VehiclesHow Loud Is a Motorcycle?
Read article →Loud EventsConcert & Festival Noise Levels
Read article →Hearing SafetyHow Loud Are Headphones at Max Volume?
Read article →Measure Your Noise Level
Curious about the noise level where you are right now? Use Snap Decibel Meter for an instant estimate.
Open Noise MeterFrequently Asked Questions
How many decibels is dangerous?
There is no universal hearing-damage threshold or time until injury. Personal exposure requires sound-pressure weighting, duration and suitable measurements; occupational criteria are reference frameworks, not guarantees.
How loud is 60 dB compared to 80 dB?
Decibels are logarithmic. 80 dB sounds about 4 times louder than 60 dB and carries 100 times more sound energy. Every 10 dB increase represents a 10x increase in intensity.
What is a safe noise level for sleeping?
WHO night-noise guidance distinguishes indoor conditions, individual events and long-term outdoor averages. A single sound reading is not a universal sleep limit; see the source-grounded sleep guide.
How loud is normal conversation?
Normal conversation measures about 60 dB at a distance of 1 meter. Whispers are around 30 dB, while shouting can reach 80–90 dB.
Can I measure decibels with my phone?
Yes — phone microphones can give useful estimates of sound levels, though they are not calibrated instruments. Use Snap Decibel Meter for instant relative readings in your browser, no app required.