Sone Definition May 2026

1. Executive Summary

This formula is an idealization. The exact sone value for a given dB SPL depends on frequency, as the human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies. sone definition

| Sound Source | Approximate Sones | Approximate Phons / dB SPL | |--------------|------------------|----------------------------| | Quiet library, soft whisper | 1 sone | 40 dB | | Normal conversation (3-5 ft) | 2-4 sones | 50-60 dB | | Busy street traffic | 8-16 sones | 70-80 dB | | Loud music, vacuum cleaner | 32-64 sones | 90-100 dB | | Sound Source | Approximate Sones | Approximate

[ \textSones = 2^\left(\frac\textPhons - 4010\right) ] sone definition

The is a unit of loudness , a psychoacoustic measure of how loud a sound is perceived by the human ear. Unlike physical measures of sound pressure (decibels), the sone scale is linear and directly proportional to perceived loudness. A sound rated as 2 sones is perceived as twice as loud as a sound rated as 1 sone.