Decibel Equivalent Tables: What Does Each Volume Sound Like?

Is the whole concept of decibels (dB) foreign to you? Do you have a vague idea that more dB equals a louder sound, but no clue about what a decibel is or how many you want out of your car’s sound system?

We’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explain exactly what a decibel is, and what levels of dB correspond to which real-world sounds.

What Is a Decibel?

The decibel is the standard international unit used to measure volume. One decibel (1 dB) isn’t equal to anything that’s easy to describe in the real world—it comes from a complex equation involving pressure that we don’t need to get into right now.

Instead, just remember that decibels are relative and logarithmic. Relative means that dB is only a useful measurement when compared to other dB values. Logarithmic means that, for every 10 dB, the corresponding real-world volume doubles. For instance, 40 dB is twice as loud as 30 dB, and half as loud as 50 dB.

Decibel Equivalent Tables

Inaudible Range (Less Than 10 dB)

Since it’s logarithmic and relative, the decibel scale is also limitless in both directions and doesn’t stop at zero. Zero dB is, theoretically, the lowest limit of human perception—but in practice, a human will rarely be able to hear a sound below 10 dB.

Barely Audible Range (10 to 40 dB)

You’ll be able to hear these, but it will take a lot of effort, and there can’t be any distractions.

Normal Range (40 to 85 dB)

Listening to these sounds poses little or no risk to the average person. 85 decibels is the highest volume that poses no health dangers.

Dangerous Range (85 to 115 dB)

Sounds at this range can damage your hearing—either immediately or through prolonged exposure. Without ear protection, nobody should be exposed to 90 dB for more than 8 hours per day, 100 dB for 2 hours, 105 dB for 1 hour, or 110 dB for more than half an hour.

Serious Injury Range (115 dB to 140 dB)

There is no safe amount of exposure to volumes in this range. Being near a sound above 115 dB for any length of time without protection can cause permanent hearing damage. At this level, you’ll also begin to feel the sounds in parts of your body other than your ears.

Deadly Range (140 dB to 200 dB)

Forget hearing damage—these sounds will give you permanent everything damage. Below about 170 dB, ear protection can still save you, but store-bought earplugs and earmuffs won’t be enough. You’re also likely to start having other problems with whatever is creating the noise (here’s a hint: don’t stand next to a pound of TNT).

Extreme Range (more than 200 dB)

Since we’ve already established that being near sounds above 200 decibels will kill you instantly, these are just here as fun facts. Note that since it’s not possible to put a decibel meter near many of these events and have it survive, dB levels above 200 are mostly theoretical.

While no modern instruments recorded the event, barometers fluctuated at levels that suggest the eruption of Krakatoa produced a 190-dB sound from 100 miles away. Remember, 190 DB is what you hear when a grenade explodes next to your face. So, Krakatoa was no joke.

• See also: How Loud Is a Cicada In Decibels (dB)?

Volume Effects on the Human Body

Above 140 dB, sounds can cause humans physical distress: shortness of breath, nausea, nosebleeds, and other severe discomforts. Below that level, they are still able to cause permanent problems, including hearing loss and persistent tinnitus. Make sure you always have hearing protection, no matter how bad ass your car’s rig might be.