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Very quiet · Sound level

How loud is 10 dB?

10 dB is very quiet – sounds about 32.0 times quieter than normal conversation.

10 dB
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Listen: sounds near 10 dB

Silence and Fun by Charles E. Mullen (1904)
1:47Public domainby C.E. Mullen.Wikimedia Commons
1:47
I am having trouble breathing
0:03CC0 1.0by CzechcampWikimedia Commons
0:03
Leaves in the wind (Gravity Sound)
2:14CC BY 4.0by Gravity SoundWikimedia Commons
2:14
6.325e-05 PaSound pressure
1.00 × 10^-11 W/m²Intensity
×0.03Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
No limitNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 10 dB?

10 decibels is very quiet. 10 dB sounds about 32.0 times quieter than normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 1e-05 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: threshold of hearing, normal breathing, rustling leaves.

Decibels are logarithmic: every +10 dB means ten times more sound intensity but is heard as only about twice as loud, and every +6 dB doubles the sound pressure. That is why a few decibels can make a big difference.

Is 10 dB safe?

Yes. 10 dB is far below the levels that damage hearing. In bedrooms, the WHO recommends night-time levels around 30 dB or lower for undisturbed sleep.

Sounds around 10 dB

0 dBThreshold of hearing
The quietest sound a young, healthy ear can detect at 1 kHz (20 µPa).10 dBNormal breathing
Measured close to the face in a very quiet room.20 dBRustling leaves
A gentle breeze moving through foliage.20 dBTicking watch
Held about arm's length away.

Frequently asked questions

Is 10 dB loud?

10 dB is very quiet. For comparison: threshold of hearing, normal breathing, rustling leaves.

How many times louder is 10 dB than 0 dB?

A 10 dB increase means ten times the sound intensity and is heard as roughly twice as loud.

How long can you listen to 10 dB?

10 dB is safe for unlimited listening.