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Online Leq Noise Meter & Decibel Sound Exposure Station

REALTIME SOUND LEVEL LOG
RMS Leq 85dB
Click "Start Survey" to begin logging acoustic decibels
00:00 elapsed0 frames integrated
Leq (Avg)
-- dB
Energy-equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax (Peak)
-- dB
Peak impact sound level
Lmin (Floor)
-- dB
Quiet background floor
L10 (Top 10%)
-- dB
Peak acoustic events
L50 (Median)
-- dB
Median sound climate
L90 (Ambient)
-- dB
Residual background ambient

Understanding Leq and Noise Exposure Statistics

Instantaneous sound readings fluctuate rapidly in real environments. The Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (Leq) integrates varying acoustic energy over a specified measurement duration into a single decibel value representing total sound exposure over time, adhering to IEC 61672-1.

IEC 61672-1 Frequency Weightings (A, C, Z)

A-weighting (dBA) models human ear sensitivity per the equal-loudness contours (ISO 226), heavily attenuating low bass. C-weighting (dBC) provides a flatter response ideal for measuring loud music, explosions, and industrial machinery.

Occupational & Environmental Thresholds

  • 85 dBA Threshold (OSHA Action Level): Continuous occupational exposure beyond 85 dBA requires hearing conservation according to OSHA Standard 1910.95 ↗ and CDC/NIOSH criteria ↗.
  • 70 dBA (WHO Environmental Limit): Long-term environmental exposure above 70 dBA may cause chronic annoyance per WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines ↗.
  • 35–45 dBA (Optimal Indoor Floor): Standard target ambient noise floor for bedrooms, studios, and study environments.
Authoritative Regulatory & Measurement Sources
IEC 61672-1 Sound Level MetersOSHA 1910.95 Noise StandardWHO Noise GuidelinesCDC / NIOSH Noise Prevention
ACOUSTIC & NOISE METER FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Noise Measurement & Sound Levels

Practical insights on measuring decibels, phone mic accuracy, sleep noise thresholds, and Leq standards.

1What is a noise meter used for?
A noise meter (Sound Level Meter / SPL meter) measures ambient sound pressure levels in decibels (dB). It is used for classroom volume management, workplace OSHA noise compliance, industrial machinery safety, community environmental noise surveys, and studio acoustic monitoring.
2Can I use my phone as a dB meter?
Yes, your smartphone's built-in microphone can be used as a decibel meter using browser-based tools like Sound Analyzer Leq Noise Meter. While phone mics lack factory laboratory calibration, they provide excellent relative decibel monitoring, peak tracking, and noise trend analysis.
3What is 70 dB noise level?
A 70 dB noise level is equivalent to the sound of moderate street traffic, a running vacuum cleaner, or a noisy office environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to noise above 70 dBA can cause annoyance and long-term auditory fatigue.
4Which meter is used to measure noise?
Noise is measured using a Sound Level Meter (SLM) or Integrating-Averaging Sound Level Meter (Leq Meter) compliant with IEC 61672-1 standards, utilizing A-weighting (dBA), C-weighting (dBC), or Z-weighting (flat).
5Is 72 dB very loud?
72 dB is moderately loud—similar to a noisy restaurant, dishwasher, or busy street. While not immediately harmful to hearing for short durations, continuous long-term exposure above 70–75 dB can cause stress and cognitive fatigue.
6How to measure noise at home?
To measure noise at home: open Sound Analyzer's Leq Noise Meter in your browser, position your device microphone away from reflective walls at ear level (1.2–1.5m high), click 'Start Live Mic Leq', and observe continuous dBA readings and L10/L50/L90 statistical percentiles over 5 to 15 minutes.
7Can I measure noise with my phone?
Yes. You can measure noise with any iOS or Android phone by opening Sound Analyzer's mobile-optimized noise meter page. It computes real-time RMS sound pressure and Leq energy averages without requiring any third-party app download.
8Is 40 dB loud for sleeping?
40 dB is at the upper threshold of acceptable ambient noise for sleeping (comparable to a quiet library or a humming refrigerator). WHO sleep guidelines recommend nighttime bedroom noise remain below 30–35 dBA for optimal, undisturbed sleep.
9How much is 20 dB noise?
20 dB is extremely quiet, roughly equivalent to rustling leaves, a quiet whisper at 5 feet, or the ambient silence of a high-grade recording studio sound booth.
10What is 50 dB of noise?
50 dB represents a calm, quiet indoor environment—typical of a peaceful residential home, a quiet private office, or light rainfall. It is completely safe for hearing and conversation.
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