What is a Decibel?

The decibel (dB) is commonly used in acoustics as a unit of sound pressure level. Basically, decibel levels describe how loud something is. (Here’s more technical info)

Here are the decibel levels of sounds you’re familiar with:

• Normal conversation with someone 1 meter away: 40-60 dB
• Passenger car from 10 meters away: 60-80 dB
• Traffic on a busy roadway from 10 meters away: 80-90 dB
• Jack hammer from 1 meter away: 100 dB
• Two-stroke chainsaw from 1 meter away: 110 dB
• Threshold of pain: 130-140 dB
• Stun grenade: 158–172 dB
• .30-06 rifle being fired from 1 meter to shooter’s side: 171 dB

NOTE: There are many free apps you can install on your phone to measure the sound pressure levels wherever you are 😉

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