Free audio tools
DB TO VOLUME MULTIPLIER
Audio Gain Calculator
Turn a measured peak into a practical gain target. This free calculator shows how much amplification a quiet file needs and when the increase becomes risky.
Your audio stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded.
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INTERACTIVE DB CALCULATOR
Choose a louder target without guessing.
Enter the current peak from an audio meter, then choose a safe target. The calculator converts the difference into gain and a linear volume multiplier.
Recommended adjustment
Large increaseGAIN
A 17 dB increase is substantial. Listen to the loudest section and reduce gain if you hear clipping or harshness.
multiplier = 10(gain dB / 20)Need the current peak? Analyze a file first.What audio gain means
Gain changes the signal level before playback volume. If a recording peaks at -18 dBFS and you want its highest peak near -1 dBFS, the mathematical difference is +17 dB. That is a large change, so the result needs careful listening.
Why dB and percentage are not the same
Decibels are logarithmic. Adding 6 dB is roughly a 2x amplitude multiplier, while adding 20 dB is 10x. A percentage control in an editing app may use a different scale, so use the calculator as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Leave room below 0 dBFS
Digital audio cannot exceed 0 dBFS without clipping. A target such as -1 dBFS leaves a small margin. Voice, podcast, or files that will be processed again may need more headroom.
From calculation to an iPhone file
The calculator does not modify media. When you know the likely adjustment, import the audio or video into Music Louder on iPhone, increase it gradually, compare with the original, and export a new copy.
FAQ
Questions about this tool
How do I convert dB gain to a volume multiplier?+
Use multiplier = 10^(dB/20). A 6 dB increase is about 2x amplitude, 12 dB is about 4x, and 20 dB is 10x.
What target peak should I use?+
A target near -1 dBFS is common for general files. Voice recordings may benefit from more headroom, such as -3 dBFS, especially before further processing.
Can this calculator prevent clipping?+
It estimates a gain from the peak values you enter. Always listen to the loudest section because compression, EQ, encoding, and inaccurate source measurements can change the result.
Does the calculator upload audio?+
No. It only performs math in your browser and does not request an audio file.
