Dynamic Range Calculator

Formula used

• Amplitude-based dynamic range: DR_dB = 20 · log₁₀(A_max / A_min)
• Power-based dynamic range: DR_dB = 10 · log₁₀(P_max / P_min)
• From dB to ratios: A-ratio = 10^(DR_dB/20), P-ratio = 10^(DR_dB/10)
• Level difference: DR_dB = L_max − L_noise (same scale label)
• Ideal ADC approximation: DR_dB ≈ 6.02·N + 1.76 (sine), or ≈ 6.02·N (square/step)

How to use this calculator

1. Pick a calculation mode that matches your available measurements.
2. Enter max and min values using the same unit and reference.
3. Use “Level difference” when you already have dB readings.
4. Press Calculate to view results above the form.
5. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to save outputs.

Dynamic range guide

1) Dynamic range in one line

Dynamic range describes how far your strongest usable signal sits above the smallest signal you can still detect. It is widely used in audio, imaging, radio links, scientific sensors, and test equipment. Higher dynamic range means more detail survives without clipping at the top or disappearing into noise at the bottom.

2) Why decibels are used

Decibels compress huge ratios into manageable numbers. A 1,000× amplitude ratio becomes 60 dB, while a 1,000,000× power ratio also becomes 60 dB. This calculator reports both the dB value and the corresponding linear ratios, so you can compare systems and set specifications consistently.

3) Amplitude versus power

Use the 20·log10 form for amplitude-like quantities such as voltage, current, sound pressure, or electric field. Use the 10·log10 form for power-like quantities such as watts or intensity. If you only know one form, the tool also reports the equivalent ratio in the other domain.

4) Noise floor defines the bottom

Minimum detectable signal is often limited by noise. Typical contributors include thermal noise, amplifier noise, quantization noise, and environmental interference. If your maximum level is 0 dBFS and the noise floor is −90 dBFS, the dynamic range is 90 dB. Improving shielding or averaging can lower the effective noise floor.

5) ADC bits and theoretical limits

For an ideal N-bit converter, a common estimate is 6.02·N + 1.76 dB for a full-scale sine wave. That gives about 98.1 dB for 16 bits and about 146.2 dB for 24 bits. Real devices are lower because of clock jitter, nonlinearity, and analog front-end noise.

6) Audio benchmarks

Human hearing spans roughly 0 to 120 dB under ideal conditions, but rooms and electronics usually reduce usable range. A quiet studio might sit near 20–30 dBA, while music peaks can exceed 100 dB SPL at close distance. In digital audio, 16-bit systems target near 96 dB, while 24-bit recording provides extra headroom for mixing.

7) Imaging and “stops”

Cameras often express dynamic range in stops. One stop is a factor of two in amplitude, which is about 6.02 dB. A sensor rated at 12 stops corresponds to roughly 72 dB. Modern full-frame cameras can land around 12–15 stops depending on ISO and processing, while scientific CCD/CMOS sensors may be optimized for even higher range.

8) Practical design tips

Start by defining your maximum level at the onset of distortion or saturation, then measure the noise floor with the same bandwidth and weighting you will use in operation. Keep units consistent, avoid mixing reference scales, and record your assumptions. Exporting the PDF/CSV results helps keep a clean trail for QA, calibration, and reporting.

FAQs

1) Is dynamic range the same as SNR?

No. SNR compares a specific signal level to noise. Dynamic range compares the maximum usable level to the minimum detectable level. SNR can be measured at many operating points; dynamic range is a system span.

2) When do I use 20·log10 instead of 10·log10?

Use 20·log10 for amplitude-like quantities such as voltage, current, or pressure. Use 10·log10 for power-like quantities such as watts or intensity. The calculator lets you choose the correct mode.

3) My minimum value is zero. What should I enter?

Decibels require a positive ratio. If your minimum is “below noise,” enter a realistic noise-floor or detection threshold instead of zero. That value sets the lower bound for dynamic range.

4) What does 60 dB mean in linear terms?

60 dB corresponds to an amplitude ratio of 1,000× and a power ratio of 1,000,000×. The tool shows both so you can interpret results in the domain that matches your measurement.

5) How do stops convert to dB?

One stop is a factor of two in amplitude, which equals about 6.02 dB. Multiply stops by 6.02 to estimate dynamic range in dB, or divide dB by 6.02 to estimate stops.

6) Why does an ideal 16-bit ADC give about 98 dB?

The common full-scale sine estimate is 6.02·N + 1.76 dB. With N = 16, that becomes about 98.1 dB. Real converters typically measure lower due to non-ideal noise sources.

7) Does bandwidth affect dynamic range?

Yes. Many noise sources scale with bandwidth, so a wider measurement bandwidth raises the noise floor and reduces dynamic range. Always report the bandwidth or filtering used when comparing results.

Example data table