Online Decibel Meter

Make Your Space Quieter

Practical ways to reduce noise at home and work. Soundproofing tips, materials, and techniques that actually work. Learn about acoustic panels, door seals, window treatments, and cost-effective noise reduction methods.

DIY Solutions That Work

Simple, affordable fixes you can do yourself:

  • •Add rugs to hard floors (reduces impact noise by 20-30 dB)
  • •Hang heavy curtains (blocks 5-10 dB from windows)
  • •Place a full bookshelf against a noisy wall (adds mass and absorption)
  • •Install weatherstripping on doors and windows (seals gaps where sound leaks)
  • •Rearrange furniture to create barriers against noise

Soundproofing Materials

Acoustic Panels

Foam or fabric panels absorb sound. Best for reducing echo inside a room.

Reduces echo by 30-50%, less effective for blocking external noise

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)

Heavy, flexible material that blocks sound transmission through walls.

Can reduce sound transmission by 20-30 dB when installed properly

Acoustic Insulation

Fill wall cavities with fiberglass or mineral wool insulation.

Improves sound reduction by 5-10 dB in existing walls

Solid Core Door

Replace hollow doors with solid core doors.

Can reduce noise through doors by 10-15 dB

Professional Techniques

Decoupling

Create an air gap between wall layers to prevent sound transmission. Requires professional construction but very effective.

Can achieve 50+ dB sound reduction

Damping Compound

Apply viscoelastic damping compound between layers of drywall to absorb vibrations.

Adds 5-10 dB sound reduction to walls

Double-Pane Windows

Install a second window with air space between panes.

Can reduce outside noise by 20-30 dB

Cost vs. Effectiveness

Low Cost ($0-100)

Rugs, curtains, weatherstripping, door sweeps, rearranging furniture

5-15 dB reduction

Medium Cost ($100-1000)

Acoustic panels, solid core door, window treatments, white noise machine

10-20 dB reduction

High Cost ($1000+)

Decoupled wall construction, double-pane windows, professional soundproofing

20-50+ dB reduction

Room-Specific Solutions

Bedroom

  • •Heavy curtains or blackout shades
  • •Thick carpet or large area rug
  • •Door sweep and weatherstripping
  • •White noise machine to mask sounds

Home Office

  • •Acoustic panels on walls
  • •Carpet or rug under desk
  • •Bookshelf against shared wall
  • •Weatherstripping on door

Apartment

  • •Thick rugs for floor impact noise
  • •Foam panels on shared walls
  • •Heavy curtains on all windows
  • •Furniture pads under tables and chairs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ⚠Using only egg crate foam - not effective for soundproofing
  • ⚠Expecting acoustic panels to block neighbor noise - they only reduce echo
  • ⚠Ignoring gaps and cracks - even small openings let through lots of sound
  • ⚠Spending on expensive materials without addressing basic issues first
  • ⚠Not measuring noise levels before and after - use our tool to track progress

Measure Your Progress

Use our decibel meter to measure noise levels before and after making improvements. Track what works best.

Start Measuring