Enter the change in dB and the change in power (watts) into the Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Db Per Watt.
Db Per Watt Formula
dBW = dB/P
Variables:
- dBW is the Db Per Watt (dB/watts)
- dB is the change in dB
- P is the change in power (watts)
To calculate Db Per Watt, divide the change in decibels by the change in power.
How to Calculate Db Per Watt?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Db Per Watt.
- First, determine the change in dB.
- Next, determine the change in power (watts).
- Next, gather the formula from above = dBW = dB/P.
- Finally, calculate the Db Per Watt.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
change in dB = 90
change in power (watts) = 10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dB in terms of sound and power?
dB, or decibel, is a unit of measurement used to express the ratio of one value of a physical property to another on a logarithmic scale. In terms of sound, dB measures the intensity of sound, while in power measurements, it compares the power levels of two signals or a signal and a reference value.
How does the dB scale work?
The dB scale is logarithmic, not linear. This means that a small increase in dB can represent a large change in the intensity of a sound or power level. For example, an increase of 3 dB represents approximately a doubling of power, while a 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in power.
Why use dB instead of linear measurements?
Using dB allows for easier comparison and representation of very large or very small ratios in a compact format. Due to its logarithmic nature, the dB scale can conveniently express very large variations in power and intensity without the need for large numbers, making calculations and comparisons simpler and more intuitive.
Can dB be a negative value?
Yes, dB can be negative. A negative dB value indicates that the measured power or intensity level is less than the reference level to which it is being compared. This is common in settings where signal loss or attenuation is being measured, such as in audio engineering and telecommunications.
