The service
Decibel Reader is a free browser tool and a collection of original measurement guides. You can use it without an account. The tool processes microphone audio locally and generates reports on your device. Browser support, hardware, permissions, and your settings affect whether measurement is available.
Purpose and limits
Results are estimates of the signal reaching a device microphone. They are not certified sound-pressure measurements and are not A-weighted dBA readings. A reference alignment records a user-supplied comparison; it does not certify accuracy.
Use the tool for informal observation and relative comparisons. Do not rely on it to establish workplace compliance, determine a legal noise limit, diagnose a health condition, certify a product, or assess impulse noise. For those decisions, use the appropriate instrument, procedure, and qualified assistance.
The accuracy limits and measurement method are part of the explanation of this service. General occupational exposure references in the guides are not individualized safety advice.
Your use of measurements and reports
You control microphone permission and can stop measurement at any time. Keep the microphone clear, avoid creating loud sound for testing, and use a setup appropriate to your surroundings.
If you export or share a report, keep its estimated or reference-aligned label and offset attached. Explain the device, position, conditions, and observation period when those details matter. Do not present a browser report as an independently validated acoustic certificate.
Content and acceptable use
You may link to these pages and use the tool for your own observations. The site's original articles, design, and graphics should not be republished wholesale as another site's work. Linked external materials belong to their respective publishers.
Do not interfere with the site's availability, attempt unauthorized access to its hosting, or use it to misrepresent measurements. There is no account or upload workflow that requires you to submit private audio.
Availability and changes
The tool is provided as an informational aid. It may be unavailable, interrupted, or changed as browser behavior and the site evolve. We do not promise uninterrupted service, a particular acoustic accuracy, or suitability for a decision that requires a certified instrument.
Meaningful changes to the tool's measurement or data behavior will be reflected in its supporting pages. The date above identifies this version of the terms. Read the privacy page for the current local-processing and website-data behavior.