Measure Noise Levels in Decibels
Allow microphone access: the sound level appears in decibels, live, with the minimum, average and maximum values. The sound is analyzed on your device; nothing is recorded or sent.
- Free
- Live measurement
- Min, average, max
- Nothing recorded
100% private — Everything is processed directly in your browser: your files, voice, and image are never sent to Chatzam's servers.
How to measure decibels with your phone?
-
Allow the microphone
Start measuring and accept microphone access when your browser asks for it.
-
Watch the level
The level in dB appears live on a color-coded gauge, with reference points such as conversation or traffic.
-
Read the summary
Note the min, average and max values, and follow the graph of the last 60 seconds. Adjust the calibration if you have a reference meter.
A simple sound level meter, right in your browser
Gauge with reference points
A whisper around 30 dB, conversation around 60 dB, traffic around 80 dB: the color tells you where you stand and flags danger above 85 dB.
Min, average, max
All three values update while you measure, to sum up a noisy environment, not just a single moment.
60-second graph
Spot the peaks and dips of the last minute: a passing truck, the neighbors, music, a machine starting up.
Calibration
Add an offset in dB to match a reference sound level meter and correct your microphone's own bias.
The decibel scale: useful reference points
The decibel is a logarithmic scale: every 3 dB added doubles the sound energy, and a sound 10 dB louder is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Two machines at 80 dB therefore don't make 160 dB, but about 83 dB. A few reference points: 30 dB for a whisper or a quiet bedroom at night, 60 dB for a normal conversation, 80 dB for a busy street, 100 dB and up for a concert or a nightclub. These are orders of magnitude: distance from the source changes the result a lot, since the level drops by about 6 dB every time you double your distance from a point source outdoors.
How many decibels is too loud?
The risk to your hearing depends on both the level and how long you're exposed. In the US, NIOSH recommends limiting exposure to 85 dBA averaged over an 8-hour day, and halving the allowed time for every 3 dB increase: 8 hours at 85 dB, 4 hours at 88 dB, 2 hours at 91 dB, and just 15 minutes at 100 dB. OSHA requires employers to set up a hearing conservation program once workers reach an 8-hour average of 85 dBA. In the UK and the EU, employers must offer hearing protection from a daily exposure of 80 dB(A) and make sure it's worn from 85 dB(A). If your ears are ringing after a night out, take it as a warning sign.
Why a phone reading is only an estimate
A certified sound level meter uses a calibrated microphone, a standard frequency weighting such as dB(A) and a controlled response across all frequencies. Phone and computer microphones are designed for voice: they clip on very loud sounds, pick up bass poorly, and the system may apply automatic audio processing. The value shown is therefore for guidance only, especially at the extremes. To make it more reliable, stand in the same spot as a reference meter, compare the two readings and enter the difference in the calibration setting. For a measurement that will hold up, for instance in a noise dispute with neighbors, hire a professional with proper equipment. If no level shows up, first check your microphone with our “Mic Test”.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure decibels with my phone?
Open this page in your phone's browser, start measuring and allow microphone access. The level appears live, with no app to install.
How accurate is this online decibel meter?
It's an estimate: phone and computer microphones aren't certified sound level meters, and the gap can be large for very quiet or very loud sounds. The calibration setting lets you correct it if you have a reference meter.
How many decibels is a normal conversation?
About 60 dB. A whisper is around 30 dB and a street with traffic around 80 dB.
How many decibels can damage your hearing?
Prolonged exposure from 80 to 85 dB carries a risk that grows with time: 85 dB for 8 hours is equivalent to 88 dB for 4 hours. A very loud, brief sound, like a gunshot, can harm your ears instantly.
Is the sound picked up by the microphone recorded?
No. The microphone signal is analyzed live in your browser to calculate the level: nothing is recorded or sent to a server.