How it works
Enter a gain in dB. Amplitude ratio is 10^(dB/20); power ratio is 10^(dB/10), assuming equal impedance. This does not measure acoustic SPL or distance.
Worked example
+6 dB is about 1.995 times the amplitude, while -6 dB is about 0.501 times. +20 dB means 10 times amplitude and 100 times power.
Read the result
A decibel value is a logarithmic ratio. For amplitude, the ratio is 10^(dB/20); for power it is 10^(dB/10). The power relationship assumes the comparison conditions are compatible. These equations do not turn a computer into a calibrated sound-level meter.
Common mistakes
Do not interchange dB gain, dBFS, dB SPL and dBA without their references. Adding a fixed gain near digital full scale can clip the export. A numerical gain increase is not a reliable prediction of how much louder a listener perceives the sound.
Questions musicians ask
How to convert dB to linear?
For an amplitude gain, use 10^(dB/20). For power, use 10^(dB/10). The calculator shows both so the two cannot be silently confused.
What does 6 dB mean?
As an amplitude gain, +6 dB is about 1.995 times the starting amplitude; as a power ratio it is about 3.981 times. These are direct results of the displayed equations, not a claim that a sound becomes subjectively twice as loud.
What is the difference between dB and dBFS?
dB expresses a ratio. dBFS specifies a level relative to digital full scale. Without the reference, a bare decibel number is incomplete; it does not automatically describe acoustic sound pressure.
Sources and calculation notes
From measurement to mastering
Understand the measurement, then compare your own mix and reference. Your ears remain the final judge.