Independent Sound Level Summation Calculator

Method, formula and assumptions

Add linear energy, not decibels: total = 10 log10(nA x 10^(LA/10) + nB x 10^(LB/10)). Energy share divides each group's linear contribution by the total.

Input definitions and supported units

• Level per source in group A (dB): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 180; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
• Sources in group A: Whole-number count, from 1 to 10000; must be positive.
• Level per source in group B (dB): Measured or assumed numerical value, from 0 to 180; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.
• Sources in group B: Whole-number count, from 0 to 10000; zero is supported where the stated method permits it.

Worked example with answer

Two 60 dB sources in each group combine to 66.0206 dB, 6.0206 dB above one source. Group A contributes 50% of the modeled energy.

How to use the results

Energy share shows which group dominates the combination. All entered levels must refer to the same point and measurement weighting.

Results retain full precision internally and display up to four decimal places. Very small nonzero results use scientific notation rather than appearing as zero. Check the labels before comparing values across units.

Limitations and references

Assumes uncorrelated sources; coherent tones can reinforce or cancel differently. This is not an occupational exposure, hearing-safety or regulatory compliance calculation.

The method is a self-contained arithmetic, geometric or explicitly stated mathematical model. There are no imported tariffs, empirical presets or equipment specifications; measured values and allowances must come from your own process.

Related planning tools

• Free-Field Sound Distance Loss Calculator
• First Floor Reflection Delay Calculator

Browse all Audio & Acoustics calculators