Maximum Sound Pressure Levels in Rooms

Maximum recommended sound pressure levels in rooms like kindergartens, auditoriums, libraries, cinemas and more. Sound pressure level is the pressure of sound related to a fixed reference of 2×10⁻⁵ Pa (0 dB on the decibel scale).

Activity and Type of Area	Noise Rating (NR) Value	Sound Pressure Level (dBA)
Kindergartens	30	35
Auditorium	25	30
Library	30	35
Cinema	30	35
Concert hall	20	25
Court room	25	30
Theater	25	30
Store, retail	35	40
Supermarkets	40	45
Hospital, corridor	30	35
Hospital, operating theater	25	30
Hospital, private room	20	25
Hotel, lobby	35	40
Hotel, restaurant	40	45
Hotel, ballroom	30	35
Church	25	30
Office	30	35
School, lecture room	25	30
School, corridor	30	35
School, gymnasium	30	35
Swimming pool	35	40
Studio, record	20	25
Studio, radio	15	20
Studio, television with audience	25	30
Studio, television without audience	20	25

About Sound Pressure Levels

Sound pressure level is the pressure of sound related to a fixed reference. The reference is the threshold of hearing 2×10⁻⁵ Pa, or in the logarithmic decibel scale the value 0 dB.

The table above provides guidelines for maximum acceptable sound pressure levels in rooms with different types of activities.