Decibel Meter – Measure Sound Level
Approximate dB level with your microphone
Press Start to measure
Phone and laptop microphones are not calibrated — readings are approximate. Use calibration to match a reference meter.
Online Decibel Meter
How loud is it? Measure noise with your phone or laptop
Press Start and allow microphone access: the meter shows the current sound level in decibels, a colour-coded scale from 0 to 120 dB and what the level is comparable to, from a whisper to heavy traffic. Minimum, energy-averaged and maximum levels plus the highest peak are tracked, and the graph shows the last 60 seconds. Choose a fast response (125 ms) to catch short noises or a slow response (1 s) for a steadier reading of background noise. Phone and laptop microphones are not calibrated measuring instruments, so the value is an estimate; if you have a reference sound level meter, adjust the calibration slider until both readings match. Audio processing such as noise suppression is switched off, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Features
Live dB reading
With colour scale and guide
Min / avg / max
Plus the loudest peak
60-second graph
See noise over time
Calibration
Match a reference meter
Typical Sound Levels
Everyday noise
- 0–20 dB: near silence, rustling leaves
- 30 dB: whisper, quiet library
- 40–50 dB: quiet room, refrigerator
- 60 dB: normal conversation
- 70–80 dB: vacuum cleaner, busy traffic
Loud and harmful
- 85 dB: hearing damage possible after 8 hours
- 90–95 dB: motorcycle, power tools
- 100 dB: nightclub — max ~15 min a day
- 110–120 dB: concert, siren up close
- 130+ dB: pain threshold, jet engine
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is an online decibel meter?
It gives an estimate. Phone microphones vary and are not calibrated, so readings may differ by several dB from a professional meter. Use the calibration slider with a reference to improve accuracy.
What decibel level is harmful?
Long exposure above 85 dB can damage hearing. Safe time halves with every 3 dB more: about 2 hours at 91 dB and 15 minutes at 100 dB.
What is the difference between fast and slow response?
Fast (125 ms) follows quick changes like claps or barking; slow (1 s) averages the sound and is better for steady background noise.
Why is the average not the middle of min and max?
Decibels are logarithmic, so the average is calculated from sound energy. A few loud moments raise it much more than quiet moments lower it.
Is my audio recorded?
No. The microphone signal is only analysed in your browser to compute the level; nothing is stored or sent.