How loud is a ticking watch?
A ticking watch is about 20 dB, with a typical range of 15–25 dB. Held about arm's length away.
That is quieter than normal conversation (60 dB).
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 20 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 a ticking watch
More recordings elsewhere
- ticking watch clock midcentury travel alarm.wav by tenkism – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Clock Chime, Antique, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- alarm timer watch countdown.mp3 by BarkersPinhead – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Watch tick by DrMinky – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Clock Ticking by florianreichelt – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a ticking watch?
About 20 dB, with a typical range of 15–25 dB.
Is a ticking watch louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a ticking watch is about 20 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.