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Convert between decibels, sones, phons, acoustic power, sound pressure, and frequency units. Comprehensive tool for audio engineers, acousticians, and sound professionals.
Note: Conversions between different categories (e.g., decibels to sones) use standard references and assumptions. Sone/phon conversions are based on 1 kHz frequency. Actual perceived loudness varies with frequency and individual hearing characteristics.
| Sound Source | Level (dB SPL) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold of Hearing | 0 dB | Quietest sound audible to human ear |
| Rustling Leaves | 10 dB | Barely audible |
| Whisper | 30 dB | Very quiet |
| Library | 40 dB | Quiet |
| Moderate Rainfall | 50 dB | Moderate |
| Normal Conversation | 60 dB | Comfortable listening level |
| Busy Traffic | 70 dB | Annoying |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 80 dB | Intrusive |
| Motorcycle | 90 dB | Prolonged exposure causes hearing damage |
| Chainsaw | 100 dB | Extremely loud |
| Rock Concert | 110 dB | Threshold of discomfort |
| Jet Engine (at 100m) | 120 dB | Threshold of pain |
| Gunshot | 140 dB | Painful, hearing loss |
| Rocket Launch | 180 dB | Lethal level |
Click on any row to convert that sound level
Logarithmic unit measuring sound intensity. dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) uses 20 μPa as reference, the threshold of human hearing. A 10 dB increase represents a 10x increase in intensity.
dB(A) mimics human ear sensitivity (less sensitive to low/high frequencies). dB(C) has flatter response, better for measuring peak levels. dB(A) is most common for noise measurement.
Sone: Unit of perceived loudness. 1 sone = 40 phon. Doubling sones = doubling perceived loudness.
Phon: Unit of loudness level. Equal to dB SPL at 1 kHz. Accounts for frequency-dependent hearing.
Total sound energy radiated by a source (watts). Unlike SPL, power is independent of distance. Critical for rating sound sources like machinery, speakers, and engines.
dB SPL = 20 × log₁₀(P / P₀)Where P₀ = 20 μPa (threshold of hearing)
dB = 10 × log₁₀(W / W₀)Where W₀ = 1 pW (reference power)
Sone = 2^((Phon - 40) / 10)Based on Stevens' power law at 1 kHz
L_total = 10 × log₁₀(10^(L₁/10) + 10^(L₂/10))Add decibel levels logarithmically, not arithmetically
⚠️ Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. Always use appropriate hearing protection.
Our comprehensive sound unit converter helps audio engineers, acousticians, musicians, and hearing safety professionals convert between various sound and acoustics measurements. Whether you're measuring sound pressure levels in decibels, calculating acoustic power in watts, or working with psychoacoustic units like sones and phons, this tool provides accurate conversions with detailed reference information.
Understanding sound measurement is crucial for applications ranging from noise control and hearing conservation to audio production and architectural acoustics. The decibel scale is logarithmic, meaning small numerical changes represent large changes in actual sound intensity. This converter handles the complex mathematics automatically, allowing you to focus on your work.
Common uses: Environmental noise assessment, workplace hearing safety compliance, audio equipment specifications, room acoustics design, sound masking calculations, speaker power ratings, microphone sensitivity measurements, and psychoacoustic research.