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
No unprotected exposure near the aircraft; cabin noise is usually below NIOSH's 85 dBA 8-hour guideline.
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 behind an insulated fuselage, so cruise noise typically measures around 80–85 dB — comparable to heavy city traffic. That is usually below NIOSH's 85 dBA 8-hour guideline, but it is fatiguing, which is why noise-cancelling headphones are popular on planes.
Cabin noise is dominated by low-frequency rumble, the range active noise cancellation handles best.
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
How loud is your own room right now?
Use the free browser-based decibel meter to estimate your room's noise level in seconds. Audio is processed in your browser; readings are uncalibrated estimates that vary by device.
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 is typically around 80–85 dB, similar to heavy city traffic. For a normal flight that is generally below occupational guideline levels, but it contributes to travel fatigue.
Is airplane noise harmful to people near airports?
Community aircraft noise rarely reaches hearing-damage levels. WHO's 2018 guidelines recommend keeping aircraft noise below 45 dB Lden and 40 dB Lnight outdoors, based on evidence for annoyance, sleep disturbance and cardiovascular effects.
Related sound levels
Sources
- NIOSH — Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure (1998)
- WHO — Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region (2018)
Exposure times follow NIOSH's occupational recommended exposure limit (85 dBA over 8 hours, 3 dB exchange rate). They are guidelines for limiting risk, not thresholds at which injury is certain.
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.