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Decibel chart › 88 dB
How loud is 88 decibels?
88 decibels is about as loud as a movie theater, a shouted conversation, a hair dryer. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 4 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 | 88 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 4 hours a day |
What does 88 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 88 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
- Shouted conversation 90 dB
- Hair dryer 80–90 dB
- Kitchen blender 80–90 dB
- Tractor with no cab 82–100 dB
- Riding a subway 90–95 dB
- Barking dogs 88.4–100.3 dB
How loud is 88 decibels (88 dB)?
88 decibels is about as loud as a movie theater, a shouted conversation, a hair dryer. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 4 hours a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 88 decibels loud?
Yes, 88 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a movie theater, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 88 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 88 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 4 hours a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 88 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 88 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.