Sound Intensity Level

This calculates the sound intensity level in dB from a known sound intensity in watts per square meter (W/m²). The reference sound intensity default is 1×10-12 W/m² which is the human hearing threshold. I = Sound Intensity (W/m²) and Io is the Reference Sound Intensity (default 1×10-12 W/m²). The result is expressed in dB.

Formula

  • \( SL = 10 \log (I/I_o) \)
Variable Unit
I W/m² (sound intensity)
Io W/m² (reference intensity, default 1×10-12)
SL dB (sound intensity level)

Sound Intensity Level

\( SL = 10 \log (I/I_o) \)
SL
dB = 10 * Log (
I
/
Io
)

Digits of Precision:

W/m2
W/m2