Noise Level Meter

How to Use This Online Noise Meter

Getting a read on your environment's sound levels is simple. Here’s how to get started:

1. Start the Meter: Click the green "Start Meter" button.
2. Grant Permission: Your browser will ask for permission to use your microphone. This is essential for the meter to work. We don't record or store any audio, so your privacy is assured.
3. Read the Levels: The large gauge will immediately show you the current sound level in dBA. You can also see the minimum, maximum, and average readings in the cards below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this online decibel meter accurate?

This tool provides a good general estimate of noise levels for everyday use. It uses an A-weighting filter (dBA) to better match how the human ear perceives sound. However, it's not a professionally calibrated device. The quality of your microphone and your computer's audio settings can affect the readings. For official measurements (like for workplace safety), you should always use a dedicated, calibrated sound level meter.

What do the dBA values mean?

dBA is a measure of sound pressure level, adjusted to be more sensitive to the frequencies our ears hear best. Here’s a quick guide to what different levels sound like:

• 20 dBA: A quiet whisper or rustling leaves.
• 50 dBA: A quiet library or a refrigerator humming.
• 70 dBA: A normal conversation or a running dishwasher.
• 90 dBA: A noisy restaurant, a lawnmower, or heavy city traffic.
• 110 dBA: A rock concert or a chainsaw from 3 feet away.
• 130 dBA: A jet engine taking off from 100 feet away.

Why is the live value moving so much?

Sound in the real world fluctuates constantly. The history chart at the bottom shows these rapid, real-time changes. To make the main display easier to read, we apply a smoothing algorithm. This gives you a stable, averaged-out value on the gauge, which is more useful for understanding the overall noise level at any given moment.

Is my audio being recorded or stored?

Absolutely not. Your privacy is paramount. All audio processing is done directly in your browser on your own device. The audio data is analyzed in real-time and then immediately discarded. Nothing is ever sent to or stored on our servers.

What are considered safe noise levels?

According to health organizations, prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dBA can lead to permanent hearing damage. The louder the sound, the less time it takes for damage to occur. For example, damage can occur after just 15 minutes of exposure to 100 dBA. It's always a good idea to use hearing protection in loud environments.