Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 96 dB
How loud is 96 decibels?
96 decibels is about as loud as a stock car race, a motorcycle, barking dogs. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 38 minutes 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 | 96 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 38 minutes a day |
What does 96 decibels sound like?
Everyday examples of sounds around 96 decibels, each sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Stock car race 96 dB
- Motorcycle 95 dB
- Barking dogs 88.4–100.3 dB
- Hand drill 98 dB
- Riding a subway 90–95 dB
- Tractor with no cab 82–100 dB
- Circular saw 96–107 dB
- Sporting event 94–110 dB
- Movie theater 74–104 dB
How loud is 96 decibels (96 dB)?
96 decibels is about as loud as a stock car race, a motorcycle, barking dogs. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 38 minutes a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 96 decibels loud?
Yes, 96 decibels is loud, about the loudness of a stock car race, at or above the 85 dB line, so prolonged exposure can damage hearing and ear protection is recommended.
Is 96 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 96 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 38 minutes a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 96 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 96 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.