Sound / dB SPL → Np
Convert Decibels relative to reference pressure to Nepers of pressure ratio
Convert RMS sound pressure and logarithmic pressure levels with an explicit reference. Convert Decibels relative to reference pressure (dB SPL) to Nepers of pressure ratio (Np). Find the formula, worked examples, unit definitions, and practical guidance below.
Reverse: Nepers of pressure ratio to Decibels relative to reference pressure →
How to convert decibels relative to reference pressure to nepers of pressure ratio
Default reference pressure is 20 µPa, the conventional air SPL reference. Values are unweighted RMS pressure levels, not dBA or sound intensity. Logarithmic levels may be negative; physical pressure must be positive. Changing the reference changes the reported level.
Use x for the value in dB SPL, b for the intermediate value in Pa RMS, and y for the result in Np.
b = p₀ × 10^(x ÷ 20); y = 2.30258509299 × log₁₀(b ÷ p₀)
Here p₀ = 0.00002 Pa. Static examples and tables use that default reference. The calculator supports another positive reference pressure.
Worked examples
10 dB SPL ≈ 1.1512925465 Np
Step 1: p₀ × 10^(10 ÷ 20) ≈ 0.0000632455532034 Pa RMS.
Step 2: 2.30258509299 × log₁₀(0.0000632455532034 ÷ p₀) ≈ 1.1512925465 Np.20 dB SPL ≈ 2.30258509299 Np
Step 1: p₀ × 10^(20 ÷ 20) ≈ 0.0002 Pa RMS.
Step 2: 2.30258509299 × log₁₀(0.0002 ÷ p₀) ≈ 2.30258509299 Np.
Results are rounded to 12 significant digits. Converting units does not increase the precision of the original measurement. Very large or small values outside JavaScript’s finite numeric range are rejected.
About Decibels relative to reference pressure
Decibels relative to reference pressure expresses a pressure ratio logarithmically: level = 20 × log₁₀(p/p₀). Here p is RMS pressure in pascals and p₀ is the selected reference pressure. Zero level means pressure equal to the reference, not silence.
About Nepers of pressure ratio
Nepers of pressure ratio expresses a pressure ratio logarithmically: level = 2.30258509299 × log₁₀(p/p₀). Here p is RMS pressure in pascals and p₀ is the selected reference pressure. Zero level means pressure equal to the reference, not silence.
Definitions and sources
Carry the same physical assumptions into subsequent physics calculations.
Decibels relative to reference pressure to nepers of pressure ratio reference table
| Decibels relative to reference pressure (dB SPL) | Nepers of pressure ratio (Np) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.11512925465 |
| 2 | 0.230258509299 |
| 5 | 0.575646273249 |
| 10 | 1.1512925465 |
| 20 | 2.30258509299 |
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