Estimate how much sound may pass through a window after soundproofing. Enter the starting noise level, window rating, seal condition, glass type, and optional insert or curtain improvement to calculate effective window reduction and final sound level.
Starting noise level:
Enter the sound level outside or on the noisy side of the window.
Window rating:
Enter the window’s estimated STC-style sound reduction value, or choose a window type preset.
Penalties and upgrades:
The calculator subtracts penalties for leaks or weak frames, then adds any improvement from curtains, inserts, or secondary glazing.
A window soundproofing calculator helps estimate how much traffic noise, neighbor noise, street noise, aircraft noise, or general outdoor sound may remain after passing through a window.
This is a simplified estimate. Actual performance depends on glass thickness, laminated layers, air gaps, frame quality, seals, installation, wall paths, vents, and frequency content.
This calculator uses a simplified window sound reduction estimate:
Start with the window’s estimated sound reduction rating, subtract leak and frame penalties, add any insert or secondary glazing improvement, then subtract the effective reduction from the starting noise level.
Laminated glass, acoustic-rated windows, window inserts, and secondary glazing systems are often better for sound reduction than standard single-pane or basic double-pane windows.
Heavy curtains can reduce some reflections and may slightly lower noise, but they usually do not block sound as well as sealed inserts, laminated glass, or secondary glazing.
Sound can leak around seals, through frames, through thin glass, around poorly installed windows, or through nearby vents, walls, doors, and other flanking paths.