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Free Decibel Meter

60 Decibels — How Loud Is It?

Moderate

60 dB is about as loud as normal conversation, 1 m away. Normal conversation at 1 meter measures about 60 dB — the level most people would describe simply as "a person talking," and a practical midpoint for everyday indoor sound. It carries no hearing-risk at any realistic duration.

What does 60 dB sound like?

  • 60 dB — Normal conversation, 1 m away
  • 62 dB — Window air conditioner
  • 55 dB — Dishwasher, next room

Safe exposure time at 60 dB

Under NIOSH's Recommended Exposure Limit (85 dB, 3 dB exchange rate), safe unprotected exposure at 60 dB is effectively unlimited. Under OSHA's legal Permissible Exposure Limit (90 dB, 5 dB exchange rate), it is effectively unlimited.

Compare nearby levels

Measure your own space

Start the meter below and see how your current surroundings compare to 60 dB.

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This measures the sound around you in real time.

Audio is processed on your device only. Nothing is ever recorded, saved or uploaded.

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Default sensitivity

Uncalibrated estimate from your device microphone. Typical accuracy is within ±3–5 dB.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Is 60 dB loud?
    No — 60 dB is the level of normal conversation at 1 meter, right in the middle of everyday indoor life. Most people would call it "normal," not loud.
    What produces 60 dB?
    Normal face-to-face conversation, office chatter, and a window air conditioner running nearby all commonly measure close to 60 dB.

    Sources