Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 60 dB
How loud is 60 decibels?
60 decibels is about as loud as a normal conversation, a window air conditioner. 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 | 60 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | No hearing risk |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | No limit — safe at any duration |
What does 60 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 60 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Normal conversation 60 dB
- Window air conditioner 60 dB
How loud is 60 decibels (60 dB)?
60 decibels is about as loud as a normal conversation, a window air conditioner. 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 60 decibels loud?
60 decibels is moderate, about the loudness of a normal conversation, 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 60 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
60 dB is below the 85 dB hearing-risk threshold, so there is no daily exposure limit for hearing.
Measure 60 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 60 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.