Compare Loudness Decibel Values

Name: Compare Loudness Decibel Values
Author: Jürgen Kummer

Calculator for the comparison of loudness decibel magnitudes. Decibels (dB) for loudness or volume are different from other decibel specifications. Loudness measures sound power, which is sound pressure squared, hence the factor 20 instead of 10. This decibel value refers to the sound pressure. A difference of 20 decibels relates exactly to ten times the strength, whereas 6 decibels are almost the double. The ratio between each step is 1.12201845430196.
Please enter two values, the third value will be calculated.

Examples: a normal conversation takes place at about 55 dB. That is about 18 times as loud as whispering at 30 dB. Sound with 0 dB can just be heard with good ears under ideal conditions. At 120 decibels, a million times the strength of the threshold of hearing, even for short time spans a hearing impairment is to be expected.

Decibel means one-tenth of a bel. The bel is an auxiliary unit of measurement for quantities in the base 10 logarithm, named after Alexander Graham Bell. The decibel is commonly almost only known to indicate loudness, which is the basis for this calculator.
When it comes to loudness, dB(A) or dBA values are often specified. This is a weighted sound pressure level. dB(A) filters out different pitches to varying degrees, thus mimicking the human ear. Low tones are filtered more heavily and therefore taken less into account in the calculation of dB(A) because the human ear is less able to hear them. However, dB(A) works with the hearing ability at the threshold of hearing and, in contrast, is used to assess loud noises. For high volumes, dB(B) and for very high volumes, dB(C), which filter less heavily, would be the better rating systems. But these are not widely known.
This calculator is also suitable for dB(A), dB(B) and dB(C) values, when it is about sound pressure.

Last updated on 08/22/2025. Author: Jürgen Kummer

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First value (a):
Second value (b):
Ratio a to b: