How Loud Are Fireworks? (150–175 dB at the Source)
Quick answer
150–175 dB
Fireworks can produce roughly 150–175 dB peak at the point of detonation and 110–125 dB for spectators close to the launch area. Impulse peaks above 140 dB exceed the ceiling NIOSH recommends and can cause permanent hearing damage.
150 dB at the shell, 110–125 dB for nearby spectators
at the point of detonation
No unprotected exposure close to the source; follow the organiser's spectator safety zone.
30 dB
60 dB
85 dB
120 dB
How fireworks compares to other sounds
| Sound source | Decibel level | Relative loudness |
|---|---|---|
| Professional shell at detonation | 150–175 dB | |
| Spectator at 20 m | 115–125 dB | |
| Spectator at 150 m | 95–105 dB | |
| Consumer firecracker at 3 m | 120–140 dB | |
| Sparkler | 55–65 dB | |
| Gunshot | 140–165 dB |
Safe viewing distance
In open air, sound drops roughly 6 dB every time the distance from the source doubles. In theory a shell producing 160 dB at 1 m would be about 120 dB at 100 m and 114 dB at 200 m — still loud, but well below the 140 dB peak ceiling.
Professional displays set spectator safety zones — follow them, and keep young children further back or give them earmuffs.
Why fireworks are worse than the number suggests
Firework noise is impulse noise with an extremely fast rise time. The ear's protective reflex is too slow to respond, and very high peaks can cause direct mechanical damage to the inner ear.
It also carries strong low-frequency energy that travels much further than mid or high frequencies, which is why displays are audible kilometres away and why pets react so strongly indoors.
Protecting children and pets
Young children cannot protect themselves and rely on adults to keep them back, and many pets are frightened by sudden loud bangs.
- Use over-ear muffs for children under 8, not foam plugs
- Keep pets indoors in an interior room with curtains drawn and steady background sound playing
- Watch from the designated spectator area, as far back as practical
- Never hold or stand over a firework — close-range exposure is a hearing emergency
How loud is your own room right now?
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Start measuringFrequently asked questions
How many decibels are fireworks?
Fireworks produce 150–175 dB at the point of detonation. Spectators standing 20 m away experience 115–125 dB, and at 150 m the level drops to around 95–105 dB.
Can fireworks damage hearing?
Yes, they can. Impulse peaks above 140 dB exceed NIOSH's recommended ceiling and can cause permanent damage, and consumer firecrackers at close range can exceed that.
How far away should you be from fireworks?
Follow the organiser's spectator zone for professional displays and keep well clear of consumer fireworks. Every doubling of distance reduces the level by about 6 dB in open air.
Related sound levels
Sources
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.