Microphone Distance Calculator: How Much Level Do You Lose With Distance?
Moving a mic back changes the level more than most people expect. This calculator shows the drop before you move anything.
What is the Microphone Distance Calculator?
Sound drops quickly with distance, roughly 6 dB every time the distance doubles. Enter a level measured at one metre and a new distance, and this tool gives the expected level there, as a guide for mic placement.
How to use it
- Enter your values in the fields provided.
- Click Calculate Level at Distance.
- Read the result and adjust an input if you want a different outcome.
Worked example
A source at 90 dB at 1 metre reads about 80.46 dB at 3 metres.
What level is a 90 dB source at 3 metres?
The inverse square law gives a drop of 20 times log base 10 of 3, about 9.54 dB, leaving about 80.46 dB.
Frequently asked questions
What do I enter to get a result?
Fill in every field with your own numbers or choices, then run the tool. Empty number fields count as zero, so check them before you trust the output.
Can I reuse this result elsewhere?
Yes. The result is calculated in your browser from the values you entered, so you can copy the numbers into your own notes or plan.