How loud is a .22 rifle?
A .22 rifle is about 140 dB, with a typical range of 130–145 dB. Peak level at the shooter's ear.
That is about 256 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 1e+08 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 140 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of less than a second; at the top of the range (145 dB) it is less than a second. Peaks above 140 dB can cause instant damage. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a .22 rifle
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 134 dBA | less than a second | 1.1 minutes |
| 137 dBA | less than a second | 43 seconds |
| 140 dBA | less than a second | 28 seconds |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Sniper Rifle Shot [FpR3Ni1LSBg].flac by qubodup – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Regular Sniper Rifle Shot [w/ Bolt Reload] (Outdoor/Mixed) by EFlexMusic – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- Rifle Shot (M1 Garand) by Rijam – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- AR15 rifle shot from 50 yards away by michorvath – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Medium distance rifle shot with echo.wav by moosegravy – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a .22 rifle?
About 140 dB, with a typical range of 130–145 dB.
Is a .22 rifle louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a .22 rifle is about 140 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.