Why is the decibel scale logarithmic?

Human hearing spans an enormous range of intensities, so a logarithmic scale compresses that huge range into more manageable numbers, similar to the Richter or pH scales.

Decibel (Sound Intensity) Calculator

Calculate the sound level in decibels given a sound's intensity relative to the standard reference threshold of human hearing.

Inputs

Results

Sound Level: 60 dB

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Formula

L = 10 × log₁₀(I / I₀), where I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m²

Learn How This Works

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