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Decibel chart › 90 dB
How loud is 90 decibels?
90 decibels is about as loud as a shouted conversation, a movie theater, a tractor with no cab. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 2.5 hours 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 | 90 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 2.5 hours a day |
What does 90 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 90 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Shouted conversation 90 dB
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
- Tractor with no cab 82–100 dB
- Riding a subway 90–95 dB
- Barking dogs 88.4–100.3 dB
- Hair dryer 80–90 dB
- Kitchen blender 80–90 dB
How loud is 90 decibels (90 dB)?
90 decibels is about as loud as a shouted conversation, a movie theater, a tractor with no cab. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 2.5 hours a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 90 decibels loud?
Yes, 90 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a shouted conversation, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 90 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 90 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 2.5 hours a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 90 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 90 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.