Comparing Noise

• The noise level of normal conversation among individuals averages 60 decibels. The logarithmic formula used to calculate decibels doubles the sound intensity about every 10 decibels. A push lawnmower at 80 decibels is four times louder than normal conversation. A riding lawnmower at 90 decibels is eight times as loud. This is comparable to the noise level of a blender at a distance of 3 feet or a car passing at highway speed at 10 feet. It is below the 120-decibel rating that is considered the threshold of pain.