Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 20 dB
How loud is 20 decibels?
20 decibels is about as loud as a ticking watch. It is well under the 85 dB hearing-risk line, so it is safe to hear for any length of time. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 20 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | No hearing risk |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | No limit — safe at any duration |
What does 20 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 20 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Ticking watch 20 dB
How loud is 20 decibels (20 dB)?
20 decibels is about as loud as a ticking watch. It is well under the 85 dB hearing-risk line, so it is safe to hear for any length of time. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 20 decibels loud?
20 decibels is moderate, about the loudness of a ticking watch, not what most people would call loud. It sits around everyday conversation and background sound, and is comfortable to hear for any length of time.
Is 20 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
20 dB is below the 85 dB hearing-risk threshold, so there is no daily exposure limit for hearing.
Measure 20 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 20 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.