Sound levels for nonlinear (decibel) and linear (intensity) scales

decibels intensity* type of sound

130 10 artillery fire at close proximity (threshold of pain)

120 1 amplified rock music; near jet engine

110 10^–1 loud orchestral music, in audience

100 10^–2 electric saw

90 10^–3 bus or truck interior

80 10^–4 automobile interior

70 10^–5 average street noise; loud telephone bell

60 10^–6 normal conversation; business office

50 10^–7 restaurant; private office

40 10^–8 quiet room in home

30 10^–9 quiet lecture hall; bedroom

20 10^–10 radio, television, or recording studio

10 10^–11 soundproof room

0 10^–12 absolute silence (threshold of hearing)

*In watts per square metre.