Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 112 dB
How loud is 112 decibels?
112 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw, shouting or barking directly in the ear, a sonic boom. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 56 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud. Measure it yourself with Decibel Shield's free online decibel meter.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 112 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 56 seconds a day |
| Workplace limit (OSHA) | 15 to 30 min a day (OSHA noise limits) |
What is comparable to 112 decibels?
Everyday examples of sounds around 112 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Chainsaw 110 dB
- Shouting or barking directly in the ear 110 dB
- Sonic boom 110 dB
- Lion roar 114 dB
- Personal listening device at max volume 105–110 dB
- Nightclub or loud bar 105–110 dB
- Rock concert 105–110 dB
- Emergency siren 110–129 dB
- Train horn 96–110 dB
- Sporting event 94–110 dB
Is any city as loud as 112 dB?
No city averages 112 dB. That is a sound-source level, not an ambient one. The loudest mapped cities peak around 70–75 dB by day. These are the loudest mapped.
- Orange, CA 4.4% of residents at 70 dBA or more
- Terni 55–75 dB by day
- Hastings 55–75 dB by day
What does 112 decibels sound like?
112 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw, shouting or barking directly in the ear, a sonic boom. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 56 seconds a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud. Measure it yourself with Decibel Shield's free online decibel meter.
Is 112 decibels too loud?
Yes, 112 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a chainsaw, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
How long is 112 decibels safe to hear?
At 112 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 56 seconds a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
How far away can you hear 112 dB?
In open air a small source measured at 112 dB from 1 m falls to about 92 dB at 10 m and 72 dB at 100 m, losing 6 dB each time the distance doubles. You keep hearing it while it stays above the background level around you: farther in a quiet field at night, much less on a 60 dB street. Walls, ground and wind change the figure.
Work out any distance, or a line source such as a road, with the sound distance calculator.
Measure 112 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 112 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.