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Very quiet · Sound level

How loud is 12 dB?

12 dB is very quiet – sounds about 27.9 times quieter than normal conversation.

12 dB
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Listen: sounds near 12 dB

Silence and Fun by Charles E. Mullen (1904)
1:47Public domainby C.E. Mullen.Wikimedia Commons
1:47
I am having trouble breathing
0:03CC0 1.0by CzechcampWikimedia Commons
0:03
Leaves in the wind (Gravity Sound)
2:14CC BY 4.0by Gravity SoundWikimedia Commons
2:14
7.962e-05 PaSound pressure
1.58 × 10^-11 W/m²Intensity
×0.04Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
No limitNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 12 dB?

12 decibels is very quiet. 12 dB sounds about 27.9 times quieter than normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 1.58e-05 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: threshold of hearing, normal breathing, rustling leaves.

Decibels are logarithmic: every +10 dB means ten times more sound intensity but is heard as only about twice as loud, and every +6 dB doubles the sound pressure. That is why a few decibels can make a big difference.

Is 12 dB safe?

Yes. 12 dB is far below the levels that damage hearing. In bedrooms, the WHO recommends night-time levels around 30 dB or lower for undisturbed sleep.

Sounds around 12 dB

0 dBThreshold of hearing
The quietest sound a young, healthy ear can detect at 1 kHz (20 µPa).10 dBNormal breathing
Measured close to the face in a very quiet room.20 dBRustling leaves
A gentle breeze moving through foliage.20 dBTicking watch
Held about arm's length away.

Frequently asked questions

Is 12 dB loud?

12 dB is very quiet. For comparison: threshold of hearing, normal breathing, rustling leaves.

How many times louder is 12 dB than 2 dB?

A 10 dB increase means ten times the sound intensity and is heard as roughly twice as loud.

How long can you listen to 12 dB?

12 dB is safe for unlimited listening.