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Decibel chart › 104 dB
How loud is 104 decibels?
104 decibels is about as loud as a sporting event, a circular saw, a personal listening device at max volume. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 6 minutes a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 104 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 6 minutes a day |
What does 104 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 104 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Sporting event 94–110 dB
- Circular saw 96–107 dB
- Personal listening device at max volume 105–110 dB
- Nightclub or loud bar 105–110 dB
- Rock concert 105–110 dB
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
How loud is 104 decibels (104 dB)?
104 decibels is about as loud as a sporting event, a circular saw, a personal listening device at max volume. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 6 minutes a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 104 decibels loud?
Yes, 104 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a sporting event, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 104 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 104 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 6 minutes a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 104 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 104 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.