How loud is a lion's roar?
A lion's roar is about 114 dB, with a typical range of 105–114 dB. Commonly cited maximum, at about 1 m. Roars carry up to 8 km.
That is about 42 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 2.51e+05 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 114 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 35 seconds. 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 lion's roar
Very close to the ear; levels drop quickly with distance.110 dBBagpipes
Highland pipes at the player's ear.110 dBCar alarm
Measured close to the vehicle.110 dBCar horn
At about 1 m in front of the car.110 dBChainsaw
NIOSH lists a chainsaw at about 110 dB.110 dBDrum kit
At the drummer's position; cymbal crashes peak higher.110 dBJackhammer
At the operator's position.116 dBScreaming piha
One of the loudest birds measured, at 1 m.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 108 dBA | 2.4 minutes | 40 minutes |
| 111 dBA | 1.2 minutes | 26 minutes |
| 114 dBA | 35 seconds | 17 minutes |
| 117 dBA | 18 seconds | 11 minutes |
| 120 dBA | 9 seconds | 7.5 minutes |
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
- Zombie (Or Monster Or Lion) Roar by zglar – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- mgm (lion roar).mp3 by mrrap4food – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Lions Roar at Lincoln Park Zoo.wav by Terwelp – CC BY 3.0 (freesound)
- lion roar by bkyte – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Lion roars 2.wav by eardeer – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a lion's roar?
About 114 dB, with a typical range of 105–114 dB.
Is a lion's roar louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a lion's roar is about 114 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.