Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 110 dB
How loud is 110 decibels?
110 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw, shouting or barking directly in the ear, a personal listening device at max volume. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 1 minute a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 110 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | Extreme |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 1 minute a day |
What 110 dB sounds like
These charted sounds sit at about 110 dB — sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Chainsaw 110 dB
- Shouting or barking directly in the ear 110 dB
- Personal listening device at max volume 105–110 dB
- Nightclub or loud bar 105–110 dB
- Rock concert 105–110 dB
- Sporting event 94–110 dB
How loud is 110 decibels (110 dB)?
110 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw, shouting or barking directly in the ear, a personal listening device at max volume. That is at or above the 85 dB hearing-risk line: NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 1 minute a day, and every 3 dB louder halves that. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 110 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
At 110 dB, NIOSH puts the safe daily exposure at about 1 minute a day. Each 3 dB increase halves it.
Measure 110 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 110 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.