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Quiet · Sound level

How loud is 31 dB?

31 dB is quiet – sounds about 7.5 times quieter than normal conversation.

31 dB
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Listen: sounds near 31 dB

Leaves in the wind (Gravity Sound)
2:14CC BY 4.0by Gravity SoundWikimedia Commons
2:14
Purr-Rent-Ambient-Yoik-2022 09 19 13 38 13
3:00CC BY-SA 4.0by 1stArtHistorianWikimedia Commons
3:00
0.0007096 PaSound pressure
1.26 × 10^-9 W/m²Intensity
×0.13Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
No limitNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 31 dB?

31 decibels is quiet. 31 dB sounds about 7.5 times quieter than normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 0.00126 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: rustling leaves, ticking watch, cat purring.

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 31 dB safe?

Yes. 31 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 31 dB

20 dBRustling leaves
A gentle breeze moving through foliage.20 dBTicking watch
Held about arm's length away.25 dBCat purring
Purrs are low (25–150 Hz) and quiet; most are about 25 dB at a short distance.30 dBWhisper
A soft whisper at about 1.5 m (5 ft).40 dBQuiet library
Background level of a quiet reading room.40 dBRefrigerator hum
Modern fridges are often rated 32–40 dB.

Frequently asked questions

Is 31 dB loud?

31 dB is quiet. For comparison: rustling leaves, ticking watch, cat purring.

How many times louder is 31 dB than 21 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 31 dB?

31 dB is safe for unlimited listening.