Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 130 dB
How loud is 130 decibels?
130 decibels is about as loud as an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 1 second a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
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| Sound level | 130 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 1 second a day |
What does 130 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 130 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Emergency siren 110–129 dB
How loud is 130 decibels (130 dB)?
130 decibels is about as loud as an emergency siren. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 1 second a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 130 decibels loud?
Yes, 130 decibels is loud, about the loudness of an emergency siren, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 130 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 130 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 1 second a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 130 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 130 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.