Road Noise Distance Calculator

This calculator estimates the reduction in road noise level as a function of distance from the road. It can be used for environmental impact assessments and urban planning.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Noise Level at Distance (dB)

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Noise Reduction (dB)

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Calculation Formula

L(d) = L(1m) - 20 log₁₀(d/1m)

Where:
L(d) = Noise level at distance d (dB)
L(1m) = Noise level at 1 meter (dB)
d = Distance from the road (meters)

Road Noise Distance Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Road Noise Distance Calculator and its working principles

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Enter the noise level at 1 meter from the road in decibels (dB).
  2. Select the type of road (primary highway, secondary highway, tertiary road, or local street) as this affects the noise reduction calculation.
  3. Enter the distance from the road in meters where you want to calculate the noise level.
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the noise level at the specified distance and the noise reduction.
  5. The results will be displayed in decibels (dB), showing both the noise level at the distance and the total noise reduction.

Working Principle

The calculator uses the inverse square law for sound propagation, which states that the sound level decreases by 6 decibels (dB) for every doubling of the distance from the source. The formula used is:

L(d) = L(1m) - 20 log₁₀(d/1m)

Where:

  • L(d) is the noise level at distance d (in dB).
  • L(1m) is the noise level at 1 meter (in dB).
  • d is the distance from the road (in meters).

This formula accounts for the logarithmic nature of sound level perception and provides an accurate estimate of noise reduction with distance.