Decibel Converter

The decibel is a logarithmic ratio, and the multiplier depends on what you are measuring: power ratios use dB = 10 × log₁₀(ratio), while amplitude ratios (voltage, sound pressure) use dB = 20 × log₁₀(ratio) — because power is proportional to amplitude squared.

That is why doubling power is +3 dB but doubling amplitude is +6 dB, and why +10 dB means ten times the power but only about 3.16 times the amplitude. Pick the mode, enter a ratio or a dB value, and convert either way.

The formula

Power: dB = 10·log₁₀(P₂/P₁), ratio = 10^(dB/10) · Amplitude: dB = 20·log₁₀(A₂/A₁), ratio = 10^(dB/20)

Worked example

A power ratio of 100 is exactly 20 dB; the same 20 dB as an amplitude ratio would mean only 10× the amplitude.

The example is pre-loaded in the result panel — press Calculate with your own numbers to replace it.

Frequently asked questions

Why 10 log for power but 20 log for voltage?

Power is proportional to the square of amplitude (P ∝ V²), and log of a square doubles the log: 10 × log(V²) = 20 × log(V). Both formulas describe the same physical change.

How many dB is a doubling?

Doubling power is +3.01 dB; doubling amplitude is +6.02 dB. Halving power is −3.01 dB — the basis of the '3 dB point' in filter specs.

What does 0 dB mean?

A ratio of exactly 1 — no change. Negative dB means the output is smaller than the reference; dB alone never tells you an absolute level without a reference such as dBm or dB SPL.

Category: Unit Conversions calculators

Result	20.0000
Summary	Power ratio 100 = 20 dB