Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 85 dB
How loud is 85 decibels?
85 decibels is about as loud as a hair dryer, a kitchen blender, city traffic. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 8 hours 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 | 85 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 8 hours a day |
What does 85 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 85 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Hair dryer 80–90 dB
- Kitchen blender 80–90 dB
- City traffic 80–85 dB
- Gas-powered lawn mower 80–85 dB
- Gas-powered leaf blower 80–85 dB
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
- Tractor with no cab 82–100 dB
How loud is 85 decibels (85 dB)?
85 decibels is about as loud as a hair dryer, a kitchen blender, city traffic. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 8 hours a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 85 decibels loud?
Yes, 85 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a hair dryer, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 85 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 85 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 8 hours a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 85 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 85 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.