Sound Level Converter
Convert between decibels (dB) and nepers (Np) for sound level and signal amplitude. Decibels are logarithmic — each +10 dB represents 10× the acoustic power.
Common Sound Level Conversions
| From | To |
|---|---|
| 0 dB | Threshold of hearing |
| 30 dB | Quiet room |
| 60 dB | Normal conversation |
| 85 dB | Hearing damage risk threshold |
| 110 dB | Live concert |
| 140 dB | Jet engine nearby |
| 1 Np | 8.686 dB |
Sound Level Unit Definitions
- Decibel (dB)
- Logarithmic unit. 0 dB = threshold of human hearing.
- Neper (Np)
- Natural-log based unit. 1 Np = 8.686 dB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the decibel scale logarithmic?
Human hearing perceives loudness logarithmically. A sound 10× more powerful sounds about twice as loud to our ears.
At what dB level does hearing damage occur?
Prolonged exposure to 85 dB or more can cause permanent hearing damage. Brief exposure to 120+ dB can cause immediate injury.