How Loud Are Fireworks? (150–175 dB at the Source)
Quick answer
150–175 dB
Fireworks produce 150–175 dB at the point of detonation and 110–125 dB for spectators standing close to the launch area. Anything above 140 dB can cause instant, permanent hearing damage.
150 dB at the shell, 110–125 dB for nearby spectators
at the point of detonation
Zero at the source; keep spectators at least 150 m back.
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
Sound drops roughly 6 dB every time the distance from the source doubles. A 160 dB shell is about 118 dB at 100 m and roughly 112 dB at 200 m — still loud, but no longer in the instant-damage range.
Most safety authorities recommend spectators stay at least 150 m from professional displays, and that children under 5 stay considerably further back or wear earmuffs.
Why fireworks are worse than the number suggests
Firework noise is impulse noise with an extremely fast rise time. The inner ear has no protective reflex fast enough to respond, so the damage mechanism is mechanical rather than metabolic.
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
Both groups are more vulnerable than adults — children have shorter ear canals that amplify high frequencies, and dogs hear well above the human range.
- 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 at least 150 m away where possible
- Never hold or stand over a firework — close-range exposure is a hearing emergency
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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. Any sound above 140 dB can cause immediate permanent damage, and consumer firecrackers at close range easily exceed that.
How far away should you be from fireworks?
At least 150 m for professional displays. Every doubling of distance reduces the level by about 6 dB.
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.