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Free Decibel Meter

120 Decibels — How Loud Is It?

Dangerous

120 dB is about as loud as thunderclap overhead. A thunderclap directly overhead or a jet aircraft taking off 300 meters away both reach about 120 dB — near the threshold of physical discomfort for most listeners, and loud enough that any meaningful exposure duration should involve hearing protection.

What does 120 dB sound like?

  • 120 dB — Thunderclap overhead
  • 120 dB — Jet aircraft taking off, 300 m away
  • 125 dB — Balloon popping

Safe exposure time at 120 dB

Under NIOSH's Recommended Exposure Limit (85 dB, 3 dB exchange rate), safe unprotected exposure at 120 dB is about 9 seconds per day. Under OSHA's legal Permissible Exposure Limit (90 dB, 5 dB exchange rate), it is about 8 minutes per day.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Is 120 dB painful?
    For many listeners, yes — 120 dB is near the threshold of physical discomfort, and close to the widely cited pain threshold around 130 dB.
    What sounds reach 120 dB?
    A thunderclap directly overhead, or a jet aircraft taking off 300 meters away, both commonly measure around 120 dB.

    Sources