Reverberation time — the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB after a sound source stops. Standard measure of how "live" or "dead" a room sounds.

What's a good RT60 for studios?

0.3-0.5 seconds for recording studios and podcast booths. Longer = unwanted ambient bleeds onto recordings.

What about churches and concert halls?

Cathedrals: 4-8 seconds for legato choral music. Concert halls: 1.8-2.5 seconds for orchestral music. Speech-only venues (mosques, lecture halls): 0.6-1.2 seconds for clarity.

How do I measure absorption coefficient?

Look up materials: glass = 0.05, drywall = 0.05-0.1, carpet on concrete = 0.15, heavy curtains = 0.4-0.6, dedicated acoustic panels = 0.7-0.95. For mixed surfaces, weight by area.

Are there limits to the Sabine equation?

Yes — Sabine assumes diffuse sound field, which breaks down in very large or very absorptive rooms. For RT60 below 0.3s or above 5s, use the Eyring equation or measure with an actual SPL impulse test.

RT60 Reverb Time Calculator (Sabine Equation)

Quick answer: Enter room volume, surface area, and average absorption coefficient. Get RT60 in seconds with venue-type guidance.

Calculate RT60 (the time for sound to decay 60 dB) for any room using the Sabine equation. Input room volume, surface area, and average absorption coefficient — get reverb time and category-based recommendations for studios, conference rooms, music halls, and live venues.

Last reviewed: April 2026Report an error

Room Volume (m³)

L × W × H

Surface Area (m²)

Walls + ceiling + floor.

Avg Absorption (0-1)

RT60 (general)

1.34 seconds

RT60 = 1.34 s. Total absorption: 60 sabines. Versatile — comfortable for most uses.

RT60

1.34 s

The Formula

RT60 = 0.161 × V / A ; A = surface_area × absorption_coeff

V = Room volume in m³
A = Total absorption (sabines)
absorption_coeff = 0-1, average across all surfaces

Source: AES — Acoustical Engineering References ↗

How we verify our formulas →

How to Use This RT60 Calculator

1Calculate room volume in m³ (length × width × height).
2Calculate total surface area in m² (sum of walls + ceiling + floor).
3Estimate average absorption coefficient (empty room ~0.05, treated ~0.4, anechoic ~0.95).
4Read RT60 in seconds and venue category.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Reverberation time — the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB after a sound source stops. Standard measure of how "live" or "dead" a room sounds.
: 0.3-0.5 seconds for recording studios and podcast booths. Longer = unwanted ambient bleeds onto recordings.
: Cathedrals: 4-8 seconds for legato choral music. Concert halls: 1.8-2.5 seconds for orchestral music. Speech-only venues (mosques, lecture halls): 0.6-1.2 seconds for clarity.
: Look up materials: glass = 0.05, drywall = 0.05-0.1, carpet on concrete = 0.15, heavy curtains = 0.4-0.6, dedicated acoustic panels = 0.7-0.95. For mixed surfaces, weight by area.
: Yes — Sabine assumes diffuse sound field, which breaks down in very large or very absorptive rooms. For RT60 below 0.3s or above 5s, use the Eyring equation or measure with an actual SPL impulse test.

</> Embed this calculator on your website

<iframe src="https://calqpro.com/calculators/rt60-reverb-time-calculator" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" title="CalQpro Calculator" loading="lazy"></iframe>
<p>Powered by <a href="https://calqpro.com">CalQpro</a></p>

RT60 Reverb Time Calculator (Sabine Equation)

Step-by-step solution

The Formula

How to Use This RT60 Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators