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SocQ

Free Online Decibel Meter (dB Sound Meter)

Measure sound levels in dB with live, average, max and min readings.

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How to use this tool

This decibel meter measures how loud it is around you in dB, using the microphone already in your phone or laptop. Press Start measuring and allow the microphone: you see the current level, the average, maximum and minimum since you started, a one-minute chart and a plain description such as “Moderate, like normal conversation”. Readings are estimates, and a Calibration field lets you match them to a reference meter.

  1. 01

    Start measuring

    Press Start measuring and allow microphone access. Hold the device still and point the microphone toward the sound.

  2. 02

    Read the levels

    The large number is the current level with fast time weighting (125 ms), the response used on handheld meters. Average, Max and Min cover the time since you started; the chart shows the last minute.

  3. 03

    Calibrate for your device

    Measure the same steady sound with a reference sound level meter and with this page, then enter the difference in Calibration (−40 to +40 dB). Press Reset to start the statistics again.

Decibel chart: typical sound levels

• 20–30 dB: whisper, a quiet bedroom at night • 40 dB: library, quiet office • 60 dB: normal conversation • 70 dB: busy restaurant, vacuum cleaner • 85 dB: heavy traffic; long exposure can damage hearing • 100 dB+: concert, power tools, motorcycle The scale is logarithmic: every 10 dB sounds about twice as loud. The meter shows the matching description live and a warning from 85 dB.

Getting accurate readings on a phone or laptop

Each microphone has its own sensitivity, so the meter starts from a standard reference (94 dB) and lets you fine-tune it with Calibration. Once calibrated against a known meter, readings on the same device are consistent and great for comparing rooms, times of day or before-and-after soundproofing. For official workplace or legal measurements, use a certified Class 1 or Class 2 sound level meter. • Keep the device still and avoid touching the microphone • Measure for 30–60 seconds and use the Average • Point the microphone at the source and note the distance • Measure indoors or out of the wind

Uses for creators and home studios

• Check how quiet your recording room is before a podcast or voice-over • Compare a noisy and a treated corner of the room • Keep monitor speakers at a safe, steady listening level • Note background noise before filming a video To hear what your microphone actually picks up, try the SocQ mic test.

Frequently asked questions

Can my phone measure decibels?

Yes. Open this page on your phone, press Start measuring and allow the microphone to get an estimated dB level, average, max and min.

What does dB mean?

Decibels measure sound pressure level on a logarithmic scale. 60 dB is normal speech; 85 dB and above can harm hearing over time.

How do I calibrate the meter?

Measure a steady sound with a reference meter and with this page, then enter the difference in Calibration, for example +4 if this page reads 4 dB lower.

Is this dBA or dBZ?

The meter reads the full, unweighted signal, similar to a flat (dBZ) setting. Low rumble from fans or traffic therefore counts fully in the reading.

What is a safe noise level?

Up to about 70 dB is comfortable for long periods; long exposure above 85 dB can damage hearing. The meter warns when the current level reaches 85 dB.

Why does a quiet room still read 30–40 dB?

Fans, computers and air conditioning add steady background noise. Use Min to see the room's quietest level, and Calibration to match a reference meter.

Is the sound recorded?

No. The levels are calculated live in this tab and no audio is stored or sent.

Can I use it to log noise from neighbors or traffic?

Yes, as a personal record. Average, Max and the one-minute chart show how loud the noise is and how long it lasts; formal complaints may ask for a certified meter.

Does it work on iPhone and Android?

Yes. It runs in Safari, Chrome and other current mobile browsers; allow microphone access when asked.

Is the decibel meter free?

Yes. No signup, no app download and no limit.

For developers

Research audio gear and home studio topics on YouTube

Making content about soundproofing, mics or home studios? SocQ APIs return public YouTube videos, channels, transcripts and comments, so you can see which topics and questions your audience cares about.

Explore the API

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