Noise Pollution Calculator
Calculate combined sound levels from multiple noise sources and estimate safe exposure time based on OSHA standards.
dB
dB
Combined Sound Level
81.2 dB
Safe Exposure Time (OSHA)27.1 hours
Combined Sound Level vs Source 1 Level
Combining Noise Sources
Sound levels in decibels are logarithmic, so you cannot simply add them. Two 80 dB sources produce 83 dB, not 160 dB.
Formula
Combined dB = 10 x log10(10^(L1/10) + 10^(L2/10))
OSHA Exposure Limit
Safe Hours = 8 / 2^((Combined dB - 90) / 5)
OSHA permits 8 hours at 90 dB, with halving for each 5 dB increase.
Example Calculation
Two machines produce 80 dB and 75 dB respectively.
- 0110^(80/10) = 100,000,000
- 0210^(75/10) = 31,622,776
- 03Sum = 131,622,776
- 04Combined = 10 x log10(131,622,776) = 81.2 dB
- 05Safe exposure = 8 / 2^((81.2 - 90)/5) = 8 / 2^(-1.76) = 27.1 hours