Noise level chart for home, office and workplace
June 2026
Noise is one of those things everyone has opinions about but few measure. "It's too loud in here" means different things to different people. A decibel chart gives you actual numbers.
Home noise levels
| Space | dB | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom (night) | 25-35 | HVAC off. Fans add 35-45 |
| Living room | 35-45 | No TV, ambient hum |
| Kitchen (cooking) | 55-70 | Hood, dishes, sizzling |
| Home office | 35-50 | Computer, AC |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70-80 | Loudest common device |
Office noise levels
| Type | dB | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Private office | 35-45 | Good for focus |
| Shared office | 45-55 | Headphones help |
| Open plan | 55-65 | Concentration drops |
| Call center | 65-75 | Voice strain |
Cognitive performance drops above 55 dB - more errors, slower reading, higher fatigue.
Workplace and industrial
| Setting | dB | OSHA note |
|---|---|---|
| Retail store | 60-70 | No protection needed |
| Restaurant kitchen | 75-85 | Monitor time |
| Manufacturing | 80-95 | Protection above 85 |
| Construction | 85-110 | Mandatory protection |
Schools
ANSI S12.60: background below 35 dB(A) during instruction. A classroom noise meter helps track this. For safe levels detail: safe noise level guide.
How to use this chart
To find where your space falls, open the sound meter and run a 2-3 minute measurement during normal activity. Compare your average to the ranges above.
FAQ
What noise level is acceptable for an office?
40-50 dB for focused work. Open-plan offices sit at 55-65 dB, which is why concentration suffers. Private offices aim for 35-45 dB.
What noise level is too loud for sleeping?
WHO recommends below 30 dB(A). Between 30-40, some people wake more easily. Above 40 dB at night, measurable sleep disruption occurs.
What's normal background noise in a house?
30-45 dB with no appliances. With fridge, HVAC, computer: 40-50 dB. During cooking: 60-75 dB.
When should I wear hearing protection at work?
OSHA requires it above 85 dB(A) TWA. Many safety pros recommend it above 80 dB for extended exposure.
How loud is a typical classroom?
Background: 35-45 dB. Instruction: 45-55 dB. Group work: 60-70 dB.
How do I measure noise at my workplace?
For a quick check, use a browser sound meter or phone app for 15-30 minutes during normal activity. For compliance, you need a calibrated meter.