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Inverse-Square Law (Sonic Studio Acoustics Handbook)
Simon Fraser University, Sonic Studio, Simon Fraser University, Sonic Studio acoustics handbook, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- A university acoustics handbook page on the inverse-square law. It gives the rule of thumb that a sound level drops by about 6 dB for each doubling of distance from a point source, under ideal conditions.
- How much weight it carries
- A university teaching resource that states a standard acoustics rule. The 6 dB figure assumes a free field with no reflections or background sound, so it is an idealization. Real rooms and close microphones behave differently.
Facts taken from this source
- Under ideal conditions with no reflections or background sound, a sound level drops by 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from the source.
“The general rule of thumb is that, under ideal conditions (no reflecting surfaces or other background sound or interference), a sound level drops 6 dB for every doubling of the distance from the source.” (Inverse-Square Law section)