Wind Turbine Noise Calculator

Calculate sound pressure level at a given distance from wind turbines.

Source Sound Level

dBA

Distance to Receiver

Hub Height

Number of Turbines

Background Noise

dBA

Tab to move between fields

Turbine Noise at Receiver

38.9 dBA

Combined Level

40.4 dBA

Increase Over Background5.4 dB

Single Turbine SPL38.9 dBA

Below 45 dBA Limit1

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the turbine's A-weighted sound power level (dB(A)) from the manufacturer spec sheet.
Set the distance from the turbine to the receptor (nearest dwelling) in meters.
Input the atmospheric absorption coefficient.
Review the estimated A-weighted sound pressure level at the receptor.
Compare the result to local noise ordinances — residential nighttime limits are typically 35–45 dB(A).

How the result changes with Source Sound Level

Source Sound Level: Sound power level of the turbine from manufacturer specs.
Distance to Receiver: Horizontal distance from turbine base to receiver.
Hub Height: Height of the turbine hub above ground.
Number of Turbines: Number of turbines contributing to noise at the receiver.
Background Noise: Ambient background noise level.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Source Sound Level = 104, Distance to Receiver = 500, Hub Height = 80, Number of Turbines = 1 = 5 input(s) provided
Calculate Turbine Noise at Receiver
Turbine Noise at Receiver
38.9 = 38.9
Calculate Combined Level
Combined Level
40.4 = 40.4
Calculate Increase Over Background
Increase Over Background
5.4 = 5.4
Calculate Single Turbine SPL
Single Turbine SPL
38.9 = 38.9