Interactive comparison of common sounds from a whisper to a rocket launch. See how everyday noises measure up and when hearing protection is needed.
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Normal daily sounds that pose no risk to hearing, even with prolonged exposure. Includes conversation, household appliances, and light traffic.
Learn about conversation-level sound →Extended exposure can cause fatigue and stress. Includes vacuum cleaners, busy restaurants, and alarm clocks. Consider hearing protection for prolonged exposure.
Learn about 80 decibel sounds →Hearing protection required. OSHA limits workplace exposure at 90 dBA for 8 hours. Includes power tools, concerts, and heavy machinery.
OSHA noise exposure limits →For every 5 dB increase above 90 dBA, the allowable exposure time is cut in half. Here are the maximum daily exposure times before hearing protection is required.
Source: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 | Mixed exposure levels? Calculate your daily noise dose | Need a calibrated meter? See our top picks
The complete reference table of everyday noise levels. Decibels are logarithmic: every 10 dB increase means roughly 10× the sound intensity and about twice the perceived loudness — so a 70 dB vacuum cleaner is not “a bit” louder than a 60 dB conversation, it carries ten times the acoustic energy.
| Sound source | Decibels (dB) | Category | Hearing safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold of hearing | 0 dB | Silent | Safe |
| Rustling leaves | 10 dB | Silent | Safe |
| Quiet whisper | 20 dB | Silent | Safe |
| Quiet library | 30 dB | Quiet | Safe |
| Quiet room | 35 dB | Quiet | Safe |
| Refrigerator hum | 40 dB | Quiet | Safe |
| Light rain | 45 dB | Moderate | Safe |
| Quiet conversation | 50 dB | Moderate | Safe |
| Dishwasher | 55 dB | Moderate | Safe |
| Normal conversation | 60 dB | Moderate | Safe |
| Washing machine | 65 dB | Moderate | Safe |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70 dB | Loud | Generally safe |
| Busy restaurant | 75 dB | Loud | Generally safe |
| Alarm clock | 80 dB | Loud | Generally safe |
| Hair dryer | 80 dB | Loud | Generally safe |
| Blender | 85 dB | Dangerous | Hearing protection advised |
| Lawn mower | 90 dB | Dangerous | Max 8 hrs (OSHA) |
| Motorcycle | 95 dB | Dangerous | Max 4 hrs (OSHA) |
| Subway train | 95 dB | Dangerous | Max 4 hrs (OSHA) |
| Power drill | 95 dB | Dangerous | Max 4 hrs (OSHA) |
| Chainsaw | 100 dB | Dangerous | Max 2 hrs (OSHA) |
| Jackhammer | 100 dB | Dangerous | Max 2 hrs (OSHA) |
| Rock concert | 110 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Car horn (3 feet) | 110 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Jet takeoff (300m) | 115 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Ambulance siren | 120 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Thunder clap | 120 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Balloon pop | 125 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Jet engine (100m) | 130 dB | Painful / Damaging | Pain threshold |
| Gunshot | 140 dB | Painful / Damaging | Instant damage |
| Fireworks (close) | 150 dB | Painful / Damaging | Instant damage |
| Rocket launch (pad) | 180 dB | Painful / Damaging | Instant damage |
A decibel chart ranks sounds by sound pressure level, measured in decibels (dB). The scale starts at 0 dB — the quietest sound a healthy human ear can detect — and everyday life mostly happens between 30 dB (a quiet library) and 90 dB (a lawn mower). Sustained exposure at or above 85 dB is where hearing damage risk begins, which is why OSHA sets its action level there.
Distance matters as much as the source: sound pressure drops about 6 dB every time you double your distance from it. A motorcycle at 95 dB from 25 feet is closer to 89 dB at 50 feet. That’s also why the same jackhammer can be listed anywhere from 100 to 120 dB depending on where it’s measured. To find the real number in your own environment, use our free online decibel meter — it reads your surroundings in seconds, right in the browser.
Use our free online decibel meter to measure the noise in your environment. No download required — works in your browser.
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