What is reverberation time (RT60)?

Reverberation time, or RT60, is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops. It measures how long sound persists in a room before reflections fade away.

What inputs are needed to calculate reverberation time?

You need the room's volume, total surface area, and the average absorption coefficient of the materials in the space. Some calculators also ask for door and window sizes or separate absorption values for different surfaces.

Which formula is used for reverberation time?

The calculator primarily uses Sabine's formula, which relates reverberation time to room volume and total absorption. Other methods like Eyring's formula may be used depending on the room's absorption characteristics.

Can I use these calculators for outdoor spaces?

No, reverberation time calculators are designed for enclosed spaces where sound reflects off surfaces. Outdoor environments lack the reflective boundaries needed for RT60 measurements.

What is a good reverberation time for a home theater?

For a home theater, a reverberation time around 0.4 to 0.6 seconds is typically ideal to ensure clear dialogue and impactful sound without excessive echo.

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Reverberation Time Calculator

Calculates reverberation time, estimating the duration for sound to decrease by 60 dB. By inputting room dimensions and absorption coefficients, users can determine how quickly sound echoes within a space will diminish. Ideal for architects, acousticians, and sound engineers seeking optimal acoustic environments in buildings and performance spaces.

Acoustic waves calculators

Editors’ Top PickBased on community votes

Number Convert

numberconvert.com

Calculate reverberation time with our free tool. Get precise results instantly.

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Omni Calculator
omnicalculator.com
The reverberation time calculator works out what is the time required for the sound intensity to decrease by 60 dB.
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Reverberation Time Calculator options compared

Tool	Best for	Strengths	Limitations
Number Convert numberconvert.com	Quick RT60 estimates with volume and surface area	Uses Sabine's formula for decay time Accepts multiple absorption coefficients	Ads on the page Fewer unit options than Omni
Omni Calculator omnicalculator.com	Detailed room acoustics with doors and windows	Includes doors, windows, and effective absorbing area Shareable results link and Google preference option	More fields to fill out than Number Convert

Buyer's guide

How to choose a reverberation time calculator

When picking a reverberation time calculator, first decide whether you need a simple estimate or a detailed room model. If you only have the room's volume and total absorption area, Number Convert will give you a quick RT60 result. If you have specific dimensions, door and window sizes, or want to account for different surface materials separately, Omni Calculator's extra fields will give you a more accurate estimate. The presence of ads on Number Convert's page is a practical difference worth caring about if you plan to use the tool frequently or share results.

Questions

Reverberation Time Calculator FAQ

What is reverberation time (RT60)?: Reverberation time, or RT60, is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops. It measures how long sound persists in a room before reflections fade away.
What inputs are needed to calculate reverberation time?: You need the room's volume, total surface area, and the average absorption coefficient of the materials in the space. Some calculators also ask for door and window sizes or separate absorption values for different surfaces.
Which formula is used for reverberation time?: The calculator primarily uses Sabine's formula, which relates reverberation time to room volume and total absorption. Other methods like Eyring's formula may be used depending on the room's absorption characteristics.
Can I use these calculators for outdoor spaces?: No, reverberation time calculators are designed for enclosed spaces where sound reflects off surfaces. Outdoor environments lack the reflective boundaries needed for RT60 measurements.
What is a good reverberation time for a home theater?: For a home theater, a reverberation time around 0.4 to 0.6 seconds is typically ideal to ensure clear dialogue and impactful sound without excessive echo.

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