Music & Audio

Bit Depth Dynamic Range Calculator

Calculate theoretical dynamic range and quantization levels for common audio bit depths.

Enter values

Results

Theoretical dynamic range
98.08 dB
Ideal quantization-limited dynamic range
Theoretical SNR
—
Quantization levels
—
Steps per doubling
+1 bit
Approx. dB / bit
6.02 dB
The ideal quantization SNR estimate is approximately 6.02 × bit depth + 1.76 dB for a full-scale sine wave. Real converters have additional noise and limitations.

About this calculation

The ideal quantization SNR estimate is approximately 6.02 × bit depth + 1.76 dB for a full-scale sine wave. Real converters have additional noise and limitations.

How to use this calculator

What to enter

Enter or select the following as requested: Bit depth. Follow the units, valid ranges, examples, and options displayed beside each field.

What the result means

The statistic summarizes the entered data using the measure named by the calculator. Results depend on the supplied observations and, where applicable, whether the data are treated as a sample or an entire population.

When to use it

Use this to summarize or compare a dataset. Check data quality, missing values, units, and the sample-versus-population convention before interpreting the statistic.