SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Noise
  4. Community Noise Equivalent Level: Definition & Explanation
Noise

Community Noise Equivalent Level

What is community noise equivalent level? A clear definition from the noise section of our glossary, with 13 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Community Noise Equivalent Level

Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is a weighted average of ambient noise level over time, used in the US state of California to compare the noisiness of neighborhoods. CNEL is frequently used in regulations of airport noise impact on the surrounding community.

A CNEL exceeding 65 dB is generally considered unacceptable for a residential neighborhood.

Terms mentioned above

Related terms

Frequently asked questions

What is Community Noise Equivalent Level?

Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is a weighted average of ambient noise level over time, used in the US state of California to compare the noisiness of neighborhoods.

Sources & credits