Sound Unit Conversion Calculator
Conversion Result
Use the converter above to calculate different values and units
Sound Conversion FAQs
Find answers to common questions about sound measurements and conversions.
The main sound measurement units are: 1) Decibel (dB) - logarithmic sound pressure level, 2) dBA - A-weighted decibels for human hearing, 3) Pascal (Pa) - sound pressure, 4) Phon - loudness level relative to frequency, 5) Sone - linear perceived loudness, 6) Watt/m² - sound intensity.
Decibel conversions include: 1) dB SPL to dBA using frequency weighting curves, 2) dB = 20 × log₁₀(P/P₀) for pressure ratio, 3) dB = 10 × log₁₀(W/W₀) for power ratio, 4) Add 3 dB for doubling sound intensity, 5) Subtract 6 dB for doubling distance from source.
Common sound levels are: 1) Whisper: 30 dBA, 2) Normal conversation: 60 dBA, 3) City traffic: 80 dBA, 4) Power tools: 100 dBA, 5) Rock concert: 110 dBA, 6) Jet engine: 140 dBA, 7) Pain threshold: 120-130 dBA, 8) Workplace safety limit: 85 dBA for 8 hours.
Accurate sound measurement requires: 1) Calibrated sound level meter, 2) Proper microphone placement and orientation, 3) Consideration of background noise, 4) Appropriate frequency weighting (A, C, or Z), 5) Time weighting (Fast/Slow/Impulse), 6) Multiple measurement positions, 7) Environmental condition documentation.
Sound pressure and intensity relationships: 1) Intensity ∝ pressure², 2) Intensity decreases with square of distance, 3) 6 dB decrease per distance doubling for pressure, 4) 3 dB decrease per area doubling for intensity, 5) Power = intensity × area, 6) Reference pressure P₀ = 20 µPa.
Frequency weightings affect measurements by: 1) A-weighting (dBA) approximates human hearing, 2) C-weighting (dBC) for peak/impact noise, 3) Z-weighting (linear) for unweighted measurement, 4) B-weighting (obsolete) intermediate curve, 5) Different weightings can change readings by ±20 dB or more.
Sound measurement accuracy depends on: 1) Instrument calibration and quality, 2) Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity), 3) Background noise levels, 4) Reflective surfaces nearby, 5) Wind effects on microphone, 6) Measurement duration and averaging, 7) Distance and orientation to source.
Loudness scale conversions: 1) 1 sone = loudness of 40 phons at 1 kHz, 2) Doubling sones = perceived twice as loud, 3) 10 dB increase ≈ perceived twice as loud, 4) Phons equal dB SPL at 1 kHz, 5) Stevens' power law relates physical intensity to perceived loudness.