Noise Level Chart

A noise level chart showing examples of sounds with dB levels ranging from 0 to 180 decibels.

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dBA	Example	Home & Yard Appliances	Workshop & Construction
0	healthy hearing threshold
10	a pin dropping
20	rustling leaves
30	whisper
40	babbling brook	computer
50	light traffic	refrigerator
60	conversational speech	air conditioner
70	shower	dishwasher
75	toilet flushing	vacuum cleaner
80	alarm clock	garbage disposal
85	passing diesel truck	snow blower
90	squeeze toy	lawn mower	arc welder
95	inside subway car	food processor	belt sander
100	motorcycle (riding)		handheld drill
105	sporting event		table saw
110	rock band		jackhammer
115	emergency vehicle siren		riveter
120	thunderclap		oxygen torch
125	balloon popping
130	peak stadium crowd noise
135	air raid siren
140	jet engine at takeoff
145	firecracker
150	fighter jet launch
155	cap gun
160	shotgun
165	.357 magnum revolver
170	safety airbag
175	howitzer cannon
180	rocket launch
...
194	sound waves become shock waves

Most noise levels are given in dBA, which are decibels adjusted to reflect the ear's response to different frequencies of sound. Sudden, brief impulse sounds, like many of those shown at 120 dB or greater, are often given in dB (no adjustment).

Noise Chart

Specifics about the measurement of a particular sound source can be found in the Noise Navigator® Sound Level Database, E-A-R 88-34/HP, by Elliott H Berger, Rick Neitzel, and Cynthia A Kladden, E•A•RCAL Laboratory, 3M Occupational Health & Environmental Safety Division, an extensive compilation of data on noise level measurements, including many of the values appearing on this chart.


Learn more:
What is a decibel?
What are the safe noise exposure limits?

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