Speaker & Amplifier Wattage Calculator
SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
Calculate expected SPL from speaker sensitivity and amplifier power
Amplifier Matching
Calculate recommended amplifier wattage for your speakers
Formula
SPL (dB) = Sensitivity + 10 × log10(Power) - 20 × log10(Distance)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I match speakers and amplifiers?
Choose an amplifier that provides 1 to 1.5 times the speaker's continuous (RMS) power rating. Never exceed the speaker's peak power rating. Make sure impedances are compatible.
What is speaker sensitivity?
Sensitivity measures how loud a speaker is at 1 watt of power, measured at 1 meter. Higher sensitivity (90+ dB) means the speaker produces more sound per watt, requiring less amplifier power.
Does doubling watts double the volume?
No. Doubling the amplifier power only adds about 3 dB, which is barely noticeable. You need roughly 10x the power to sound twice as loud to human ears.
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