Decibel Shield
Decibel chart › Car horn at 5 m
How loud is a car horn at 5 m?
A car horn at 5 m measures about 100 dB, roughly as loud as an approaching subway train. At 100 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 15 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
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| Decibel level | 100 dB |
|---|---|
| Hearing risk | High risk — NIOSH allows about 15 minutes per day at 100 dB |
| Safe exposure (NIOSH) | About 15 minutes a day |
| Typical setting | city |
Figures sourced to CDC / NIDCD. See the full decibel levels chart for every source.
How a car horn at 5 m compares
On the decibel scale, 100 dB sits above the 85 dB line where sustained exposure damages hearing. Sounds at a similar level:
- Approaching subway train 100 dB
- Jackhammer 100 dB
- Sporting event 94–110 dB
- Motorcycle 95 dB
How loud is a car horn at 5 m?
A car horn at 5 m measures about 100 dB, roughly as loud as an approaching subway train. At 100 dB it is at or above the 85 dB line where hearing damage starts: NIOSH puts the safe limit at about 15 minutes a day. Normal conversation runs about 60 dB for comparison.
Is a car horn at 5 m dangerous to hearing?
Yes — at 100 dB, a car horn at 5 m is loud enough to damage hearing over time. NIOSH limits safe exposure to about 15 minutes a day; use hearing protection beyond that.
Measure it yourself
Decibel levels vary with distance and surroundings. Check the real level where you are with the free online decibel meter — no install, nothing recorded — or see the full decibel levels chart.