Find answers to common questions
Learn what the instant browser estimate means, how optional local calibration works, what data services receive, and when certified equipment is required.
Readings & Calibration
What do the readings mean?
The meter immediately shows an estimated sound level based on a generic microphone mapping. Optional comparison with a real meter applies one device-specific adjustment. It remains unweighted and uncertified, so use suitable calibrated equipment for consequential decisions.
What does calibration do?
Use a calibrated physical sound level meter beside this device, measure the same steady sound, then enter the physical meter's value. A phone app is not a traceable reference. The saved offset produces an estimate only.
Do different devices give different readings?
Yes. Consumer microphones and browser or operating-system audio processing vary in sensitivity, frequency response, gain, compression, and clipping behavior.
Can I use this for OSHA compliance?
No. OSHA compliance requires suitable calibrated equipment and a compliant measurement procedure. This browser estimate cannot determine or document compliance.
Using the Tool
Do I need to download or install anything?
No. This runs entirely in your web browser. Just visit the page, allow microphone access, and start measuring. Works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Which browsers work?
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all work fine (desktop and mobile). Make sure you're using a recent version and grant microphone permission when asked.
Why isn't it working on my device?
Common issues: (1) Microphone permission denied - check browser settings, (2) Browser too old - update it, (3) HTTPS required - some browsers block microphone on non-secure sites, (4) Microphone in use by another app.
Can I use this offline?
No, you need an internet connection to load the page. Once loaded, the measurement happens locally, but you can't save the page for offline use.
Privacy & Security
Is my audio being recorded?
No. Everything happens in your browser. We analyze sound levels in real-time but don't record, store, or send any audio data anywhere. Your privacy is protected.
What data do you collect?
We do not upload microphone audio or measurement data. Calibration and history stay in browser storage. GA4 and self-hosted Umami load on every visit for audience measurement; the AdSense page script is paused. Site delivery and Cloudflare may process ordinary network data. See the Privacy Policy.
Can I use this in sensitive environments?
Microphone audio stays in the browser, but the page still makes ordinary requests for site delivery, Cloudflare services and always-on Umami analytics. Check your organization's device, network and web-tool rules before use in sensitive areas.
Can I use this at work without privacy concerns?
Microphone audio and readings stay in the browser, but the site sends ordinary page and device data to self-hosted Umami and delivery providers. Follow your employer's device, network and privacy policies.
Technical Questions
What's the measurement range?
The interface displays an instant estimate from 0 to 140 dB. This is a presentation range, not a certified usable acoustic range; the real limits depend on the microphone, browser processing and environment.
How often does it update?
The reading updates multiple times per second, giving you near real-time feedback. The display smooths out rapid fluctuations for easier reading.
What's the difference between dB, dBA, and dBC?
dB expresses a ratio; dBA and dBC are frequency-weighted acoustic measurements made under defined conditions. This tool displays an unweighted browser estimate, not a certified dBA or dBC result.
Can this measure very loud sounds safely?
Do not use this tool to decide whether exposure is safe. Occupational limits use calibrated, frequency-weighted measurements and defined procedures. Move away from uncomfortable sound and follow authoritative safety guidance.
Comparisons
How does this compare to a phone app?
Both can depend on a consumer microphone and device audio processing. Neither should be treated as a certified instrument without suitable hardware, traceable calibration, and a documented measurement procedure.
Should I buy a physical decibel meter?
Use this browser tool for learning and observing relative changes. Use a suitable calibrated sound level meter whenever an acoustic value will inform health, workplace, legal, construction, or regulatory decisions.
Can I use this for OSHA compliance?
No. OSHA compliance requires suitable calibrated equipment and a compliant measurement procedure. This browser estimate cannot determine or document compliance.
What about Amazon decibel meters?
Choose equipment by the relevant standard, measurement range, frequency weighting, calibration documentation, and intended use—not marketplace price alone. This site does not endorse a specific product.
Troubleshooting
The reading seems stuck or wrong
Try: (1) refresh the page, (2) test the microphone in another app, (3) check browser permission and the selected input, and (4) reconnect an external microphone. Calibrate only when you have a suitable physical reference meter.
Why does the reading seem unusually high, low, or stuck?
The selected microphone may be near its noise floor, clipping, or altered by automatic gain and noise processing. Check permissions and the selected input, then compare again under stable conditions; the displayed number still does not establish an acoustic threshold.
Calibration didn't help
A single offset cannot correct frequency response, automatic gain, compression, clipping, or a changed device setup. Remove the offset if the comparison conditions or equipment are no longer the same.
Can I use this with an external microphone?
Yes. Select it in system audio settings before starting. An external microphone changes the input path but is not automatically calibrated, traceable, or suitable for certified measurements.