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This article is from the Acoustics FAQ, by Andrew Silverman with numerous contributions by others.

2.3 How is sound measured ?

A sound level meter is the principal instrument for general noise measurement. The indication on a sound level meter (aside from weighting considerations) indicates the sound pressure, p, as a level referenced to 0.00002 Pa.

Sound Pressure Level = 20 x lg (p/0.00002) dB

Peak levels are occasionally quoted. During any given time interval peak levels will be numerically greater, and often much greater than the (rms) sound pressure level.

 

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physics, acoustics