Music and Audio Math: BPM Delay, Note Frequency and Decibels
The calculations behind music production — delay times locked to the beat, note frequencies, how decibels fall with distance, sample rate and bit depth, and sizing audio files.
Decibel Distance Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Sound level at new distance
80.00
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Decibel Distance Calculator
The Decibel Distance Calculator works out your sound level at new distance in an instant. Enter sound level at reference, reference distance and new distance and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the sound level at reference.
- Enter the reference distance.
- Enter the new distance.
- Read off your sound level at new distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Worked example
For example, with sound level at reference of 100 dB, reference distance of 1 m and new distance of 10 m, the sound level at new distance is 80.00.
| Sound level at reference | 100 dB |
|---|---|
| Reference distance | 1 m |
| New distance | 10 m |
| Sound level at new distance | 80.00 |
|---|
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
It drops by 20 × log₁₀(new ÷ reference distance). Moving from 1 m to 10 m cuts a 100 dB source to about 80 dB.
By the inverse-square law, each doubling of distance reduces the level by about 6 dB in free space.
Not exactly. Reflections from walls and ceilings keep levels higher indoors than the open-air formula predicts.
It is the distance where you know the level. The result scales the level to your new distance from the same source.
Enter the sound level at reference. Enter the reference distance. Enter the new distance. Read off your sound level at new distance — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Related guides
Decibel Distance Table: Sound level at new distance by Sound level at reference
Reference table of sound level at new distance for Decibel Distance across a range of sound level at reference values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.
How to Calculate Decibel Distance: Formula, Steps & Examples
Learn how to calculate Decibel Distance — the formula explained step by step, with worked examples and a free calculator to check your answer.
Set List Duration Table: Total set length by Number of songs
Reference table of total set length for Set List Duration across a range of number of songs values — exact, engine-computed figures you can read off at a glance.