General Data > Sound Levels

The chart below shows the average noise levels for a variety of activities and appliances. Some of these entries may be checked against when using a sound level meter in lessons involving acoustics. Also included on this page are average loudness readings for specific musical instruments, audible perceptions of dB increases and at the bottom of the page is a link to a HSE document covering guideline daily noise exposures at work.

Relative sound levels

Sound level	General audible level	Activity or appliance
120dB+	Uncomfortably loud	Jet aircraft at takeoff power at 30m, disco speaker at 2m
110dB		Riveting machine, Rock band, Boeing 707 at 1.6km
100dB	Very loud	Jet flyover at 1000 feet, pneumatic road drill at 4m
90dB		Power mower, Motorcycle at 25 ft, Propeller plane flyover at 300m, Food blender
80dB		Diesel truck 40 mph at 15m, door slamming at 2m
70dB	Moderately loud	Vacuum cleaner at 2m,
60dB		Normal conversation
50dB	Quiet	Bird calls
40dB		Background noise at home
30dB
20dB		Whisper
10dB		Just audible
0dB	Silence	Threshold of hearing

Perceptions of Increases in Decibel Level

Imperceptible Change	1dB
Barely Perceptible Change	3dB
Clearly Noticeable Change	5dB
About Twice as Loud	10dB
About Four Times as Loud	20dB

Average Sound Levels of Music

Normal piano practice	60 -70dB
Fortissimo Singer, 1m	70dB
Chamber music, small auditorium	75 - 85dB
Piano Fortissimo	84 - 103dB
Violin	82 - 92dB
Cello	85 -111dB
Oboe	95-112dB
Flute	92 -103dB
Piccolo	90 -106dB
Clarinet	85 - 114dB
French horn	90 - 106dB
Trombone	85 - 114dB
Tympani & bass drum	106dB
Walkman on 5/10	94dB
Symphonic music peak	120 - 137dB
Amplifier rock, 2m	120dB
Rock music peak	150dB

The following link takes you to an HSE chart showing how to calculate daily noise exposure in a place of work. http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/dailyexposure.pdf.