Decimeter
    Sound Reference

    How Loud Is a Lawn Mower?

    85–95 dB
    Safe exposure
    2 hours max at 90 dB before hearing damage risk
    Risk category
    warning

    What does 85–95 dB sound like?

    Gas-powered lawn mowers typically produce 90 dB or more at the operator position. Electric and battery-powered mowers are usually quieter at 75–85 dB.

    How it compares

    The NIOSH recommended exposure limit is 85 dB for 8 hours. At 90 dB the safe limit drops to 2 hours; at 95 dB, just 30 minutes. Mowing a large lawn easily crosses that threshold.

    How to protect your hearing

    • Wear earmuffs or earplugs rated NRR 25+ while mowing
    • Consider switching to an electric or battery mower
    • Take breaks in a quiet area to let your ears recover

    Measure the actual dB level of your environment with our free online decibel meter, or estimate your cumulative daily exposure with the noise exposure calculator.

    Learn more

    See the full dB chart
    Compare lawn mower with other common sounds
    What is a decibel?
    Understand the dB scale and how it works

    Related sounds

    130–150 dB
    Jet Engine
    70–80 dB
    Vacuum Cleaner
    100–120 dB
    Rock Concert
    45–60 dB
    Dishwasher

    Frequently asked questions

    How loud is a Lawn Mower?

    A lawn mower measures 85–95 dB. Gas-powered lawn mowers typically produce 90 dB or more at the operator position. Electric and battery-powered mowers are usually quieter at 75–85 dB.

    What is the safe exposure time for a lawn mower?

    The recommended safe exposure time for a lawn mower is 2 hours max at 90 dB before hearing damage risk.

    How does a lawn mower compare to other sounds?

    The NIOSH recommended exposure limit is 85 dB for 8 hours. At 90 dB the safe limit drops to 2 hours; at 95 dB, just 30 minutes. Mowing a large lawn easily crosses that threshold.

    How can I protect my hearing from a lawn mower?

    Wear earmuffs or earplugs rated NRR 25+ while mowing Consider switching to an electric or battery mower Take breaks in a quiet area to let your ears recover