is the decibel scale linear or logarithmic

It basically boils down to nothing more than measured pressure fluctuations. The sound pressure level is measured using a (measuring) microphone in Pascal (Pa). To understand this, we need to define the term sound pressure level (SPL for short, sometimes just: sound level).

Because most dance clubs are around 100 decibels loud. This is however subjective and is also a matter of (unhealthy) habits. That's roughly the threshold of discomfort – things get unpleasant from here on. Most vacuum cleaners are about that loud as well.ġ00 decibels is the approximate volume of chainsaws or trucks driving close by. The noise coming from most refrigerators are between 35 and 45 decibels.Ĩ0 decibels is loud screaming from this level on, continuous sound exposure becomes unhealthy. We have the following exemplary orientation values for “volume”, as measured on the decibel scale:Ģ0 decibels is approximately a ticking clock.ģ0 decibels are sounds of breathing and soft whispering.Ĥ0 decibels is a quiet yet not whispered conversation. The decibel was first used as a scientific unit of measurement in 1924 when Bell Laboratories developed the “Bel Scale,” now colloquially known as the decibel scale.Īn increase in the sound level by 3 dB usually corresponds to a doubling of the sound pressure (i.e. That is why a tenth of a bel has prevailed as the unit, indicated by the prefix deci (Latin for tenth). However, the bel unit is very large for measurement purposes and accordingly too broad and imprecise. The unit is named after Alexander Graham Bell.

Is the decibel scale linear or logarithmic