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Sound Intensity Level (Decibels) from Intensity Calculator

β = 10 · log₁₀(I / I₀), I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m².

Compute the sound intensity level β (in decibels) from a sound's physical intensity I (W/m²) referenced to the threshold of human hearing I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m²: β = 10 · log₁₀(I / I₀). Examples: whisper ≈ 30 dB, conversation ≈ 60 dB, traffic ≈ 80 dB, jet engine ≈ 130 dB.

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

W/m²
W/m²

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

β = 10 · log₁₀(I / I₀).

In depth

Compute the sound intensity level β (in decibels) from a sound's physical intensity I (W/m²) referenced to the threshold of human hearing I₀ = 10⁻¹² W/m²: β = 10 · log₁₀(I / I₀). Examples: whisper ≈ 30 dB, conversation ≈ 60 dB, traffic ≈ 80 dB, jet engine ≈ 130 dB.