Classroom Noise Meter
Show the class how loud they are with a traffic light, voice levels or a level bar. It measures volume on your computer only: nothing is recorded or sent, and there's no signup.
Sound is measured on this computer only
The meter only measures how loud the room is. Nothing is recorded, saved or sent anywhere, and it can't pick out words. Your browser will ask for permission to use the microphone.
How to use it
- Click Start listening and allow the microphone when your browser asks. Use the computer or webcam microphone nearest the class.
- Choose the allowed noise for the activity, such as Partner talk, and pick the display. While the class is silent, click The room is quiet now to calibrate.
- Press Present to show it on the board. Turn on the alert to play a gentle sound when the room stays too loud for a few seconds.
Questions teachers ask
Does the noise meter record my class?
No. The microphone signal is turned into a single loudness number about 20 times a second, on your computer, and then discarded. No audio is saved, uploaded or listened to, and the meter can't pick out words.
What do the voice levels mean?
0 is silent, 1 a whisper, 2 partner talk, 3 table or group talk, and 4 a presenting voice. Set Allowed noise to the level for the activity, and anything above it counts as too loud.
The meter shows too loud when the room is quiet. How do I fix it?
Click The room is quiet now while the class is silent, so the meter learns your room. If it's still too jumpy, lower the sensitivity; if it never moves, raise it.
How does the too-loud alert work?
Tick the alert option and choose how many seconds. The sound only plays when the noise stays over the limit for that long, so a dropped book or one laugh won't set it off, and it plays once per noisy spell.
Why does the browser block the microphone?
Browsers always ask before a site uses the microphone. If you clicked Block, use the icon in the address bar to allow it. On managed school devices, IT may need to allow microphone access for this site.
Which microphone works best?
The built-in laptop microphone works well in most classrooms. For a large room, a webcam microphone placed towards the middle of the class gives a fairer reading than one next to your desk.