Decibel Levels of Common Sounds
Below we compare dBA levels to common sounds, giving you context to portable generator labels. As you’ll see, the lower the dBA; the quieter the noise is.
- 0 dBA — The hearing threshold
- 10 dBA — Normal breathing
- 20 dBA — Watch ticking
- 30 dBA — Quiet bedroom at night
- 60 dBA — Moderate rainfall
- 70 dBA — Hair dryer
- 75 dBA — Alarm clock
- 80 dBA — Police whistle
- 90 dBA — Lawn mower
- 110 dBA — Chain saw
- 120 dBA — Snowmobile
- 130 dBA — Jack hammer
- 150 dBA — Fireworks
- 160 dBA — Shotgun
- 180 dBA — Rocket launch
