All toolsDecibel Distance Calculator

Distance changes level, but the room changes the rule.

Estimate the idealized level change between two distances while keeping real-world reflections, barriers and source behavior in view.

Source level and distance

Use the same distance unit for both positions. The result applies only to an idealized point source in a free field.

How it works

Spherical spreading

An ideal point source in a free field loses about 6 dB each time distance doubles. The calculation uses the ratio between the two entered distances.

Model boundary

Real places are not free fields

Walls, floors, terrain, barriers and source directivity alter propagation. A line source can follow a different distance relationship.

Reference

Use the result as a comparison

The FHWA measurement handbook describes the free-field point-source assumption and its limits.