Free Sound Intensity Level Calculator

Calculate the sound intensity level in decibels: L = 10 * log10(I / I0), where I0 = 1e-12 W/m2 is the threshold of hearing.

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W/m2

Sound Intensity Level

90.00 dB

View formula & how it works →

Sound Intensity Level

The decibel scale expresses sound intensity relative to the threshold of human hearing.

Formula

L = 10 log10(I / I0)

  • *I* = sound intensity (W/m2)
  • *I0* = 10^-12 W/m2 (reference threshold)

    • Every 10 dB increase corresponds to a tenfold increase in intensity. Normal conversation is about 60 dB; a rock concert about 110 dB.

    Example Calculation

    Sound intensity of 0.001 W/m2.

    1. 01L = 10 log10(I / I0)
    2. 02L = 10 log10(0.001 / 1e-12)
    3. 03L = 10 log10(1e9)
    4. 04L = 10 * 9 = 90 dB

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