Listen to ocean waves
How loud are ocean waves?
Ocean waves are about 60 dB, with a typical range of 50–75 dB. Standing on the beach; storm surf is much louder.
That is about the level of normal conversation.
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 60 dB is well below the 85 dBA level at which prolonged exposure starts to risk hearing damage.
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 ocean waves
Steady rain heard from outdoors under a roof.50 dBQuiet office
Typical open office with low conversation.50 dBTyping on a keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are louder than laptop keyboards.60 dBAir conditioner
Window unit or indoor split unit at a few metres.60 dBDishwasher
Quiet models are rated 40–45 dB; older ones exceed 60 dB.60 dBNormal conversation
Two people talking at about 1 m.70 dBSnoring
Loud snoring measured near the sleeper can approach 90 dB.70 dBWashing machine
Louder during the spin cycle.
More recordings elsewhere
- Zen Ocean Waves,Ocean Waves Ambience.mp3 by INNORECORDS – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- ocean waves 01 by rucisko – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Ocean waves crushing on the chilean shore. by felix.blume – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- ocean waves between rocks by Yoyodaman234 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Gentle ocean waves birdsong and gull.WAV by jackmichaelking – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels are ocean waves?
About 60 dB, with a typical range of 50–75 dB.
Is ocean waves louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while ocean waves are about 60 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.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- "Waves of the Navy", performed by the United States Navy Band by USN Band – Public domain
- Martin Amis BBC Radio 3 Night Waves 2 April 2010 b00qc0fg by BBC – CC BY 3.0
- Sea waves by Ganesh Mohan T – CC BY-SA 4.0
- How sine waves join to make one sound by Max the plain text – CC0 1.0