How to Measure Sound Levels with Your Phone

Short answer: install a sound meter app, or use a browser-based one, and allow microphone access. Expect accuracy within about 3 to 5 dB in the 50 to 90 dB range, which is fine for comparing rooms or checking whether somewhere is too loud. No phone is accurate enough for legal or occupational-health evidence.

Try our free online sound meter right in the browser, or install the Sound Meter app for real-time decibel readings whenever you need them.

Why Measure Sound Levels?

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). Knowing the noise level around you helps:

• Protect your hearing — sustained exposure above 85 dB causes damage
• Check noise regulations — verify workplace or neighborhood noise compliance
• Test speakers — measure output levels for audio equipment
• Monitor environment — track noise pollution in your area

Decibel Reference Guide

How to Measure Sound with Your Phone

Step 1: Download a Sound Meter App

Use Sound Meter by Yalintech — it uses your phone's microphone to measure ambient noise levels in real time.

Step 2: Calibrate (Optional)

For more accurate readings:

1. Open the app settings
2. Use the calibration feature
3. Compare with a known reference if available

Step 3: Measure

1. Hold your phone with the microphone facing the sound source
2. Stay still for a few seconds to get a stable reading
3. Read the display — the gauge shows current dB level
4. Check statistics — view max, min, and average over time

Tips for Accurate Measurements

• Remove phone case for better microphone sensitivity
• Face the microphone toward the sound source
• Minimize wind — wind creates false high readings
• Stay consistent — measure from the same distance for comparisons
• Use a flat surface — place your phone on a table to reduce handling noise

Understanding Your Results

Your environment is safe if:

• Average reading is below 70 dB
• No sustained exposure above 85 dB

Take action if:

• Workplace noise exceeds 85 dB for more than 8 hours
• You need to raise your voice to be heard (usually means 80+ dB)
• You experience ringing in your ears after exposure

See our decibel levels chart for a fuller breakdown of common sounds and the official NIOSH/OSHA/WHO exposure limits.

Phone vs. Professional Sound Meter

For everyday use, a phone app provides excellent relative measurements. For legal or professional requirements, use a calibrated instrument.

Download Sound Meter on Android or App Store on iPhone.