How to measure noise levels with the sound meter
- Press Start and allow the microphone. Keep the device still and point the microphone towards the sound.
- Read the current level in decibels, with the minimum, average and maximum since you started, and a 30-second history graph.
- Compare with the reference table of everyday sounds. If you have access to a real sound level meter, adjust the calibration slider until both match.
How accurate is a browser decibel meter?
The page reads the raw microphone signal (with the browser's noise suppression and automatic gain control switched off), calculates its RMS level in dBFS (decibels relative to full scale) and adds a calibration offset to estimate the sound pressure level in dB. Phone and laptop microphones differ in sensitivity and are tuned for speech, so without calibration expect an error of ±5–10 dB, and readings above roughly 100 dB may be limited by the microphone itself. No frequency weighting (such as dBA) is applied. Treat the results as a useful guide for comparing places and times, not as legal evidence.
Decibels are logarithmic: every 10 dB increase sounds roughly twice as loud and carries ten times the energy. Long exposure above 85 dB can damage hearing, which is why workplaces limit it and why hearing protection is recommended at concerts. Audio is analysed live in your browser; nothing is recorded or uploaded.
Can I use this to measure my neighbour's noise?
It is fine for a rough idea and a log of times, but official complaints usually need calibrated equipment.
What noise level is safe?
Up to about 70 dB average is considered safe for long periods; above 85 dB, limit the time.
Why does it show around 30–40 dB in a silent room?
Microphones and electronics have their own noise floor, and real rooms are rarely below 25–30 dB.