Measure Sound Levels in Real Time

A free sound level meter that measures noise in real time using your microphone. Displays decibel readings with a visual gauge, peak hold, and history graph.

How to Measure Noise Levels

1

Open this page on your device (phone or computer with a microphone).

2

Tap the microphone button and allow browser access to your mic.

3

The meter will display the current noise level in decibels (dB).

4

Check the comparison bar to see what your noise level is similar to.

5

Use the recording feature to save noise as evidence with a timestamped filename.

6

Export your session report (CSV) for documentation or analysis.

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Free browser-based noise measurement tool

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dBA
Calibrated CLIP
As heard by the ear (standard)
Min
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Avg
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Max
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Leq
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TWA
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Peak
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Tap to start measuring
Current level Safe
This noise level is safe for extended periods. No hearing protection needed.
Session noise dose: 0%
Record Noise to Audio File
Record noise as evidence. File name includes date and time for documentation purposes.
No recordings yet
File name includes date & time for documentation. Suitable as supplementary evidence for noise complaints.
History (30s)
1/3 Octave Bands
For acoustic engineers and professionals. Shows sound energy distribution across frequency bands — useful for identifying noise sources and selecting soundproofing.
Calibration
Have a calibrated sound meter? Enter its reading to improve accuracy.
Session Timer
Automatically stop measurement after a set duration.
Frequency Spectrum
Real-time frequency analysis showing which frequencies dominate.
Export Report (CSV)
Download a session report with all measurements, min/max/avg, duration, and exposure data.

Understanding Noise Levels

Sound is measured in decibels (dB) — a logarithmic scale where every 10 dB increase means the sound is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Understanding noise levels helps protect your hearing and health. Here's what different decibel levels actually mean in everyday life.

🌙 Whisper Quiet 0–30 dB
Breathing, rustling leaves, quiet rural area, whisper, ticking clock
Complete comfort. These are the quietest sounds the human ear can detect. Ideal for deep sleep and concentration. Many recording studios aim for background noise below 20 dB.
Unlimited — no risk at all
🏠 Comfortable 30–60 dB
Quiet library, moderate rainfall, home refrigerator, normal conversation, light office noise
Normal everyday sounds. A quiet office is around 40 dB, a typical conversation reaches 60 dB. Most people feel comfortable and can concentrate well. Sleep may be affected above 40 dB for sensitive individuals.
Unlimited — safe for any duration
⚠️ Moderate to Loud 60–80 dB
Vacuum cleaner, busy restaurant, city traffic, alarm clock, washing machine, loud TV
Noticeably loud. Prolonged exposure above 70 dB can start causing stress and annoyance. Background noise at this level makes phone conversations difficult. You may need to raise your voice to be heard at arm's length.
Safe for extended periods, but may cause fatigue after several hours
🔊 Loud — Risk Zone 80–100 dB
Lawnmower, motorcycle, factory floor, nightclub, power tools, subway train, blender
Hearing damage zone. At 85 dB — the NIOSH safety limit — prolonged exposure starts damaging the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. This damage is cumulative and irreversible. At 95 dB, safe exposure drops to just 50 minutes per day.
85 dB: 8 hours | 90 dB: 2 hours | 95 dB: 50 min | 100 dB: 15 min
⛔ Very Loud — Danger 100–120 dB
Rock concert, chainsaw, car horn at 1m, ambulance siren, thunderclap, sporting event
Immediate risk of hearing damage. Pain begins around 110–120 dB. Even short exposure of a few minutes can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and temporary or permanent hearing loss. Always wear hearing protection.
100 dB: 15 min | 105 dB: 5 min | 110 dB: 90 sec | 115 dB: 30 sec
💥 Extreme — Pain Threshold 120+ dB
Jet engine at 30m, gunshot, fireworks at close range, rocket launch
Physical pain and instant hearing damage. At 140 dB, a single exposure can rupture the eardrum. Sound at this level is not just heard — it's felt as physical pressure. Even with hearing protection, exposure should be avoided whenever possible.
No safe exposure — immediate hearing damage

Did you know?

Hearing damage from noise is cumulative and permanent — damaged hair cells in the inner ear never regenerate. But it's 100% preventable. If you regularly encounter noise above 80 dB, consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Your future self will thank you.

This tool provides approximate measurements. For professional or legal use, a certified sound level meter is recommended.
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Features

Real-time dBA/dBC/dBZ with NIOSH warnings Leq, TWA, and 1/3 octave band analysis Record noise as timestamped evidence Detailed report and session data export

Why Use Our Sound Level Meter

Unlike other online tools, our sound meter combines accurate measurement with practical features: noise comparison with real-world sounds, NIOSH-based safety warnings, recording capability for evidence, and session reporting. All free, private, and without installing any app.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this online sound meter?

Browser-based meters provide approximate readings (±3-6 dB). Accuracy depends on your device microphone. For professional measurements, use a certified sound level meter. You can improve accuracy using our calibration feature.

Can I use noise recordings as legal evidence?

Recordings include date and time in the filename for documentation. While browser recordings alone may not meet legal standards, they can support noise complaints as supplementary evidence. Consult local regulations.

What is A-weighting (dBA)?

A-weighting adjusts the measurement to match human hearing sensitivity. Our ears are less sensitive to very low and very high frequencies. dBA is the standard for noise regulations and occupational safety.

What noise level is dangerous?

According to NIOSH, exposure to 85 dB or above for 8 hours can cause hearing damage. At 100 dB, safe exposure drops to just 15 minutes. Our tool shows real-time safety warnings based on these guidelines.

How do I calibrate for accurate readings?

Use the calibration feature: play a known-level tone from a calibrated source and adjust the offset until the meter matches. Alternatively, compare readings with a certified sound level meter app or device. Even without calibration, the meter shows reliable relative changes in dB.

Does this work on mobile phones?

Yes! The sound meter works in any modern mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). Simply open the page and allow microphone access.

💡 Want us to improve this tool just for you?

We can — and it's free! Just send us a quick message with your idea. If you'd like to discuss it in detail, leave your email and we'll get back to you. You can stay anonymous.

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Who is this tool for?
🎛️ Sound Engineers 📡 Streamers & Broadcasters 🎧 Audiophiles 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents & Families
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