Sound intensity level

Sound intensity level measures how loud a sound is, based on the amount of energy it carries through a given area. It’s expressed in decibels (dB) and compares the power of a sound to a reference level, usually the quietest sound the human ear can detect. Because sound intensity can vary widely—from faint whispers to loud concerts—the decibel scale helps us understand these differences more easily. A higher dB value indicates a louder sound, and small increases in decibels represent substantial changes in perceived loudness.