Decibels (dB) measure sound intensity (loudness), while sones measure perceived loudness by the human ear.
Understanding the difference helps you choose quieter appliances, assess noise levels, and compare sound measurements accurately.
Why Decibels and Sones Matter
Sound measurement can be confusing—decibels are technical, while sones are more intuitive.
Whether you’re buying a quiet range hood, setting up a home theater, or dealing with workplace noise, knowing how these units work ensures better decisions.
What Are Decibels (dB)?
Decibels measure sound pressure level (SPL), a scientific way to quantify loudness.
- Logarithmic scale: A 10 dB increase means the sound is 10 times more intense.
- Common examples:
- Whisper: 30 dB
- Normal conversation: 60 dB
- Lawnmower: 90 dB
Since decibels are linear, small increases can feel much louder to our ears.
What Are Sones?
Sones measure perceived loudness, making them more relatable for everyday use.
- 1 sone = the loudness of a quiet refrigerator (about 40 dB)
- Linear scale: 2 sones sound twice as loud as 1 sone.
- Used for appliances: Range hoods, bathroom fans, and air conditioners often list noise in sones.
Key Differences Between Decibels and Sones
| Feature | Decibels (dB) | Sones |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement | Sound pressure level | Perceived loudness |
| Scale Type | Logarithmic (exponential) | Linear (easy to compare) |
| Common Uses | Industrial noise, music | Home appliances |
| Example | 70 dB (vacuum cleaner) | 4 sones (loud fan) |
How to Convert Between Decibels and Sones
Since decibels and sones measure sound differently, conversions aren’t exact. However, you can use these general guidelines:
- 1 sone ≈ 40 dB
- Each doubling of sones = ~10 dB increase
For precise conversions, try our free tools:
🔹 Sones to dB Calculator
🔹 dB to Sones Calculator
FAQs
1. Which is better for measuring home appliance noise?
Sones are more user-friendly for appliances like range hoods because they reflect how loud something feels. Decibels are better for technical comparisons.
2. How many sones is considered quiet?
- 0.5–1 sone: Very quiet (library-level noise)
- 2–3 sones: Moderate (normal conversation)
- 4+ sones: Noticeably loud
3. Can I convert decibels to sones manually?
Roughly, yes—but for accuracy, use our dB to Sones converter.
Final Thoughts
Decibels measure raw sound intensity, while sones describe how we perceive loudness. For home appliances, sones are simpler; for technical settings, decibels are essential.
Need help converting sound measurements? Try our free calculators for quick, accurate results!