Sound Level Meter
Use your device’s microphone as a decibel meter. See the live noise level, the average, minimum and maximum, and a chart of the last minute, with A-weighting like a real sound meter.
Raw level –. Adjust to match a known meter.
Your browser will ask to use the microphone. Nothing is recorded or uploaded.
How to measure sound levels in decibels
- Click “Start measuring” and allow microphone access when your browser asks.
- Hold your device where you want to measure, with nothing covering the microphone. The big number is the current level; the bar turns orange above 70 dB and red above 85 dB.
- Let it run for a while to get a fair average. “Reset stats” starts the average, minimum and maximum again.
How accurate is a phone or laptop decibel meter?
Built-in microphones are not calibrated, so readings are estimates, typically within 3–5 dB of a real meter once calibrated, and less reliable at very loud or very quiet levels. This tool turns off the browser’s automatic gain and noise suppression so the level is not adjusted behind your back. If you have access to a sound level meter, play a steady sound, then move the calibration slider until both readings agree; the setting is remembered in this browser.
A-weighting (dBA) reduces very low and very high frequencies to match how loud sounds seem to people, which is how workplace and noise-complaint limits are usually measured. Leq is the energy average over the whole measurement, the standard way to summarize changing noise.
Common noise levels
| Sound | Approx. level |
|---|---|
| Whisper, quiet bedroom at night | 30 dB |
| Quiet office or library | 40–50 dB |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB |
| Vacuum cleaner, busy restaurant | 70 dB |
| Heavy city traffic | 80–85 dB |
| Lawn mower, motorcycle | 90 dB |
| Rock concert, car horn | 110 dB |
Long or repeated exposure above about 85 dBA can damage hearing. Health guidelines suggest limiting time at 85 dBA to around eight hours a day, and halving that time for every extra 3 dB.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this as good as a real sound level meter?
No. It is a useful estimate for comparing rooms, checking if something is too loud, or tracking noise over time. For legal or workplace measurements, use a calibrated Class 1 or Class 2 meter.
Why is the reading different on my phone and laptop?
Every microphone has a different sensitivity. Use the calibration slider to line each device up with a known reference.
Can I use it in an embedded frame?
Browsers block microphone access inside most embedded frames, so this tool is not offered as an embed. Open it on this page instead.
Is my audio recorded?
No. The level is calculated from the live microphone signal on your device. Nothing is recorded, saved or sent anywhere.