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Gizmetto

Online Decibel Meter

Measure how loud it is around you in dB, using your phone or computer microphone.

Ready

Level nowdB(A) · Fast

Tap Start to measure the sound level around you.

Min
No reading yet
Average (Leq)
No reading yet
Max
No reading yet
Time
No reading yet

Last 60 secondsHarmful, 85+

Processed on your device. Nothing is recorded.

How to measure decibels with your phone or computer

  1. Step 1Tap Start listeningYour browser asks to use the microphone. Choose Allow. The meter hears sound only while it is on.
  2. Step 2Point the microphone at the soundHold the phone at arm's length or set it down. Keep your hand off the microphone.
  3. Step 3Read the levelThe big number is the level now. The thin marker on the bar holds the highest level of the last 3 seconds. Min, average (Leq) and max cover the time since Start or Reset.
  4. Step 4Check the safe timeFrom 70 dB(A), the meter turns your average into the NIOSH time limit per day. Copy, share or save the result when you are done.
Online decibel meter reading 63 dB(A), moderate, with a 64 dB(A) average
A live reading of 63 dB(A), with the minimum, the average (Leq) and the maximum. The bar shows the level is moderate, and its marker holds the highest level of the last 3 seconds.

It shows dB(A), the unit that hearing limits use. Under the number, the meter compares the level with a common sound from the chart below. Weighting, response, calibration and Keep screen on are in Settings. For a long measurement, leave Keep screen on switched on, so the phone does not lock and stop the meter. Nothing is recorded, as the privacy policy explains.

How accurate is an online decibel meter?

It gives a good estimate, not a certified reading. The browser gets the microphone's signal but not its sensitivity, so the meter starts from a value for a typical phone. Two devices in the same room can read several decibels apart.

The meter turns off the browser's voice processing (echo cancellation, noise suppression and automatic gain control), because it changes the level. Some phones still process the sound, and deep bass or very loud sound can read too low.

To get closer, calibrate once. Put your phone next to a sound level meter and play a steady sound, such as a fan or pink noise from the speaker test. Open Settings, type the meter's reading into Match a known level and tap Match. Without a meter, a rough check is normal conversation, whichWHO puts at about 60 dB.

Decibel chart: how loud common sounds are

Decibels are logarithmic: a sound 10 dB louder is ten times more intense. These levels come from the WHO guide to safe listening.

Sound levels of common sounds in decibels, from WHO, with the meter's band
SoundLevelOn this meter
Normal breathing10 dBQuiet
Soft whisper30 dBQuiet
Library40 dBQuiet
Normal conversation60 dBModerate
Doorbell80 dBLoud
Heavy traffic, inside a car85 dBHarmful
Shouted conversation90 dBHarmful
Motorcycle95 dBHarmful
Hair dryer100 dBHarmful
Standing near a siren120 dBHarmful
Jackhammer130 dBHarmful
Airplane taking off140 dBHarmful
Decibel scale from 0 to 140 dB: normal breathing 10, soft whisper 30, library 40, normal conversation 60, hair dryer 100, standing near a siren 120 and an airplane taking off 140 dB. The bar is green when quiet, amber when loud and red from 85 dB(A), the NIOSH limit for 8 hours a day.
Common sounds on the decibel scale, with the harmful zone from 85 dB(A).
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Copy this code. The chart links back here, so your readers can try the tool.

How loud is too loud?

NIOSH recommends a limit of 85 dBA, averaged over an 8-hour workday. For each 3 dB more, the safe time halves.

Safe time per day at each noise level, from the NIOSH rule
LevelSafe time per day
85 dBA8 hours
88 dBA4 hours
91 dBA2 hours
94 dBA1 hour
97 dBA30 minutes
100 dBA15 minutes

NIOSH also gives a test without a meter: at 85 dBA you often have to raise your voice to be heard by someone 3 feet (1 m) away, and at 95 dBA you likely have to shout. For music,WHO says 80 dB is safe for up to 40 hours a week, but 90 dB for only four hours a week.

From an average of 70 dB(A), the meter uses this rule to show the NIOSH limit for your average (Leq), for example "about 2 h 30 min a day" at 90 dB(A). Like every reading, it is an estimate until you calibrate. The red Harmful zone starts at 85 dB(A). If you see it often, take breaks or wear hearing protection.

dB vs dBA vs dBC

dB is the unit. The letter is the frequency weighting: how much low, middle and high sounds count. The IEC 61672 standard sets the curves.

  • dB(A)Follows how the ear hears moderate sounds, so it cuts deep bass: about 19 dB at 100 Hz. Hearing limits use it.
  • dB(C)Almost flat: less than 1 dB at 100 Hz. It counts the bass that A-weighting leaves out, so it suits music and engines.
  • dB(Z)Flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz: every frequency counts the same.

With a lot of bass, dB(C) and dB(Z) read higher than dB(A). On this meter the A and C curves follow IEC 61672 to within 0.1 dB from 10 Hz to 4 kHz.

Online meter vs phone app vs a real sound level meter

All three measure sound level. They differ in how sure you can be of the number.

An online decibel meter, a phone app and a sound level meter compared
FeatureOnline meterPhone appSound level meter
SetupNone: it opens in your browserAn app downloadA separate device
AccuracyAn estimate until you calibrateNIOSH iPhone app: within 2 dBAClass 1 or 2 under IEC 61672
Best forQuick checksRegular checks on one phoneWorkplace noise

The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app is free but runs only on iOS. With a calibrated external microphone it meets IEC 61672 type 2. For workplace noise, use a sound level meter.

FAQ

Is 70 dB loud?

It is louder than normal conversation (about 60 dB) and quieter than heavy traffic inside a car (about 85 dB). WHO says sound levels below 80 dB are unlikely to cause hearing damage.

Can my phone measure decibels accurately?

It gives a useful estimate. Without calibration a phone can be several decibels off, because microphones differ. NIOSH says its own iPhone app is accurate to within 2 dBA. For the best result, calibrate this meter against a sound level meter.

Why are my readings low?

A hand or a case may cover the microphone. A Bluetooth headset microphone, or a phone that still processes the sound, can also read low. To fix it, calibrate the meter or raise the offset.

Is my audio recorded?

No. Your browser analyzes the sound on your device and then discards it. Nothing is recorded or uploaded. Only your calibration offset, and the measurements you choose to save, are kept in this browser.

What does Leq mean?

Leq is the energy average since Start or Reset: the steady level with the same sound energy. Loud moments count more than quiet ones. The NIOSH limit of 85 dBA over 8 hours is this kind of average.

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Maintained by Updated Oct 20, 2026.