How Loud Is a Jet Engine? (120–150 dB)
Quick answer
120–150 dB
A jet engine produces about 150 dB at the exhaust, 140 dB at 30 m and roughly 120 dB at 100 m. Inside the cabin, cruise noise is a far more moderate 80–85 dB.
150 dB at the engine, 120 dB at 100 m, 85 dB in the cabin
varies — see the distance table
Zero without protection near the aircraft; cabin noise is safe for a full flight.
30 dB
60 dB
85 dB
120 dB
How a jet engine compares to other sounds
| Sound source | Decibel level | Relative loudness |
|---|---|---|
| Jet engine at 1 m | 150+ dB | |
| Jet takeoff at 30 m | 140 dB | |
| Jet takeoff at 100 m | 118–125 dB | |
| Aircraft overhead at 300 m | 95–105 dB | |
| Cabin noise at cruise | 80–85 dB | |
| Ground crew position | 130–140 dB |
Why distance dominates the number
Jet engine figures are quoted at wildly different distances, which is why sources seem to disagree. The physics is simple: in open air the level drops about 6 dB for every doubling of distance from the source.
That means the same engine can legitimately be described as 150 dB, 140 dB, or 120 dB depending only on where the meter stood. Always check the stated distance before comparing figures.
Cabin noise on a commercial flight
Passengers sit forward of the engines behind an insulated fuselage, so cruise noise typically measures 80–85 dB — comparable to heavy city traffic. It is safe for a full flight but fatiguing, and it is why noise-cancelling headphones are so effective on planes.
Cabin noise is dominated by low-frequency broadband rumble, exactly the frequency range active noise cancellation handles best, often removing 20–30 dB.
Airport ground crew and hearing protection
Ramp workers operate at 130–140 dB, well past the point where any single layer of protection is sufficient.
- Double protection (plugs plus muffs) is standard on the ramp
- Even with ~35 dB combined attenuation, exposure remains near 100 dB
- Rotation and time limits are used to keep the daily dose within limits
- Aircraft noise regulations at airports are set from community measurements, not ramp levels
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Start measuringFrequently asked questions
How many decibels is a jet engine?
About 150 dB at the engine itself, 140 dB at 30 m, and roughly 120 dB at 100 m. The number is meaningless without the distance.
How loud is it inside an airplane?
Cabin noise at cruise measures 80–85 dB, similar to heavy city traffic. It is not hazardous for a normal flight but contributes to travel fatigue.
Is airplane noise harmful to people near airports?
Community aircraft noise rarely reaches hearing-damage levels, but sustained exposure above 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night is linked to sleep disruption and cardiovascular stress.
Related sound levels
Decibel figures on this page are typical published values and vary with distance, equipment, and environment. Readings from a phone or laptop microphone are estimates, not certified measurements.