Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › 40 dB
How loud is 40 decibels?
40 decibels is about as loud as a refrigerator hum. It is well under the 85 dB hearing-risk line, so it is safe to hear for any length of time. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Last updated:
| Sound level | 40 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | No hearing risk |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | No limit — safe at any duration |
What 40 dB sounds like
These charted sounds sit at about 40 dB — sourced to CDC, NIOSH, NIDCD and ASHA. Open any one for its own breakdown, or see the full decibel levels chart.
- Refrigerator hum 40–45 dB
How loud is 40 decibels (40 dB)?
40 decibels is about as loud as a refrigerator hum. It is well under the 85 dB hearing-risk line, so it is safe to hear for any length of time. On the decibel scale, each 10 dB step sounds roughly twice as loud.
Is 40 decibels dangerous, and how long is safe?
40 dB is below the 85 dB hearing-risk threshold, so there is no daily exposure limit for hearing.
Measure 40 dB yourself
Want to know if where you are hits 40 dB? Check it live with the free online decibel meter — it runs in your browser, and nothing is recorded or uploaded.