LOCAL TOOL · PRODUCTIVITY

Sound Level Meter (Approximate dB)

A rough decibel reading from your mic. Uncalibrated, for reference only.

A rough reference only: uncalibrated, it varies by device, mic and browser, and it can't be used as an official measurement or evidence.

Offset

If you have a reference such as a calibrated meter, measure the same sound with both and adjust the offset until this reading matches. Without one, leave the default and use it only to compare sounds.

How to use

  1. Press Start measuring and allow the microphone.
  2. The big number is the rough current level; min, max, average and a 60-second graph sit below.
  3. Press Reset to start fresh in another place or at another time.
  4. Match a reference with the offset if you have one, and press Stop when you're done.

Examples

Input −46.0 dBFS · offset +100

Input −46.0 dBFS · offset +100 → the screen shows ≈ 54 dB. Measure for a minute in the same spot and check min, max and average to compare how loud a place is at different times.

FAQ

How accurate is it?

It's a rough figure. Phone and laptop mics aren't calibrated and their sensitivity differs, so the same sound reads differently on different devices. Use it to compare sounds on the same device.

Why do readings differ between devices and browsers?

Mic sensitivity and position, cases, and automatic gain or noise suppression all change the reading. The tool asks for automatic processing to be off, but some devices ignore that.

How do I use the offset?

If you have a trustworthy reference such as a calibrated meter, measure the same sound with both and adjust the offset until the readings match. Without one, keep the default and only compare readings.

Can I use it as evidence for a noise complaint?

No. It's an uncalibrated reference, not an official measurement or evidence. If you need an official measurement, follow the guidance of the relevant authority.

Is any sound recorded or sent?

No. There's no recording; the mic signal is turned into level numbers in this browser and discarded. Press Stop or close the page and the mic turns off.

What's the difference between dBFS and the dB shown?

dBFS measures against the digital maximum, so it's always 0 or below. The big number adds the offset to it, and no hearing-based weighting such as A-weighting is applied.