RT60: The estimated time (in seconds) for sound to decay by 60 dB in your room. Lower values mean a drier, more controlled sound; higher values mean longer reverb tails.
Room Character: A qualitative label based on the RT60 value — from "Very Dry (Studio)" under 0.5 s to "Cathedral" above 2.5 s. Use this as a quick reference for how the room will sound.
Room Volume: The total cubic volume of the room in cubic meters, which is a key input to the Sabine equation.
Total Absorption: The sum of each surface's area multiplied by its absorption coefficient, measured in metric sabins. More absorption means shorter reverb.
How This Calculator Works
You enter the room's length, width, and height in meters, then select surface materials for the floor, ceiling, and walls. The tool computes room volume and total absorption using published 500 Hz absorption coefficients, then applies the Sabine equation (RT60 = 0.161 × V / A) to estimate reverberation time. It assumes a simple rectangular room with uniform surfaces.
Quick Questions
What is a good RT60 for a home studio?
Most mixing and recording studios target an RT60 between 0.3 and 0.6 seconds. This provides enough clarity for critical listening without sounding unnaturally dead.
Why does the calculator only use 500 Hz coefficients?
500 Hz is the standard mid-frequency reference point for absorption coefficients. Real-world RT60 varies with frequency — bass reverb is typically longer. For detailed acoustic design, measure or calculate RT60 across the full frequency spectrum.
How accurate is the Sabine equation?
The Sabine formula works well for rooms with relatively uniform absorption and moderate reverb times. For very absorptive rooms (RT60 under 0.5 s) or irregular geometries, the Eyring or Norris-Eyring equations may give more accurate results.
How can I reduce reverb time?
Add absorptive materials like acoustic panels, heavy curtains, carpet, or upholstered furniture. Focus on large flat surfaces like walls and ceilings, which contribute the most to reflections.