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Very quiet · Sound level

How loud is 23 dB?

23 dB is very quiet – sounds about 13.0 times quieter than normal conversation.

23 dB
0306085110140194

Listen: sounds near 23 dB

Leaves in the wind (Gravity Sound)
2:14CC BY 4.0by Gravity SoundWikimedia Commons
2:14
Purr-Rent-Ambient-Yoik-2022 09 19 13 38 13
3:00CC BY-SA 4.0by 1stArtHistorianWikimedia Commons
3:00
0.0002825 PaSound pressure
2.00 × 10^-10 W/m²Intensity
×0.08Perceived vs. 60 dB talk
No limitNIOSH daily limit

How loud is 23 dB?

23 decibels is very quiet. 23 dB sounds about 13.0 times quieter than normal conversation (60 dB), and it carries 0.0002 times the sound energy. Typical sounds around this level: rustling leaves, ticking watch, cat purring.

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 23 dB safe?

Yes. 23 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 23 dB

20 dBRustling leaves
A gentle breeze moving through foliage.20 dBTicking watch
Held about arm's length away.25 dBCat purring
Purrs are low (25–150 Hz) and quiet; most are about 25 dB at a short distance.30 dBWhisper
A soft whisper at about 1.5 m (5 ft).

Frequently asked questions

Is 23 dB loud?

23 dB is very quiet. For comparison: rustling leaves, ticking watch, cat purring.

How many times louder is 23 dB than 13 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 23 dB?

23 dB is safe for unlimited listening.