Pascal to Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa) Converter
0.00002 Pa is 0 dB SPL. Convert pascals (Pa) to decibels SPL (dB SPL) below: type a value and the result updates as you type.
Pa to dB SPL calculator
Result
Pascal to Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa) conversion
1 Pa ≈ 93.97940009 dB SPLone pascal in decibels SPL
1 dB SPL ≈ 0.00002244036909 Paone decibel SPL in pascals
Pascal (Pa): SI derived unit: one newton per square meter.
Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa) (dB SPL): Sound pressure level in air: 20 times the base-10 logarithm of the RMS sound pressure divided by the reference pressure of 20 µPa. 0 dB SPL is 20 µPa, about the quietest sound a young adult can hear.
Source:Pascal: SI Brochure, 9th edition (BIPM, 2019); Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa): ISO 1683:2015, Acoustics: Preferred reference values for acoustical and vibratory levels
How to convert pascals to decibels SPL
To convert pascals to decibels SPL, divide the amount by 0.00002, take the base-10 logarithm, then multiply by 20.
Formula
dB SPL = 20 × log₁₀(Pa ÷ 0.00002)
Examples
- 0.00002 Pa = 20 × log₁₀(0.00002 ÷ 0.00002) = 0 dB SPL
- 1 Pa = 20 × log₁₀(1 ÷ 0.00002) ≈ 93.97940009 dB SPL
- 20 Pa = 20 × log₁₀(20 ÷ 0.00002) = 120 dB SPL
Pascal to Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa) conversion table
| Pascal (Pa) | Decibel SPL (re 20 µPa) (dB SPL) |
|---|---|
| 0.00002 Pa | 0 dB SPL |
| 0.0002 Pa | 20 dB SPL |
| 0.002 Pa | 40 dB SPL |
| 0.02 Pa | 60 dB SPL |
| 0.2 Pa | 80 dB SPL |
| 1 Pa | 93.97940009 dB SPL |
| 2 Pa | 100 dB SPL |
| 20 Pa | 120 dB SPL |
| 200 Pa | 140 dB SPL |
Values rounded to 10 significant digits where needed.
Frequently asked questions
- What is 0.00002 Pa in dB SPL?
- 0.00002 Pa is 0 dB SPL. To convert pascals to decibels SPL, divide the amount by 0.00002, take the base-10 logarithm, then multiply by 20.
- How do I convert decibels SPL to pascals?
- To convert decibels SPL to pascals, divide the level by 20, raise 10 to that power, then multiply by 0.00002. The formula is Pa = 0.00002 × 10^(dB SPL ÷ 20).
- Is this conversion exact?
- Yes. Both units have exact definitions and the factor 0.00002 is exact. Displayed results are only rounded when they have many decimal places.