---
title: "How loud is a dishwasher?"
description: "A dishwasher reaches 38–62 dB. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/loud/dishwasher/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How loud is a dishwasher?

**Typical loudness: 38–62 dB**

A built-in cabinet that washes dishes with heated water and detergent on a timed cycle.

> Manufacturer dBA ratings for current built-in models. CDC lists older dishwashers at around 70 dB.

## How that compares

*Dishwasher against things of a similar loudness.*

- Air compressor: 60–92 dB
- Vacuum cleaner: 62–85 dB
- Washing machine: 70 dB
- Generator: 52–82 dB
- Air conditioner: 50–70 dB
- Dehumidifier: 42–58 dB
- Dishwasher: 38–62 dB
- Air purifier: 24–60 dB

## How long you can safely listen

No exposure limit — this is below the level that damages hearing.

Decibels are logarithmic, which makes the intuitive arithmetic wrong in a way worth knowing: every 10 dB is ten times the sound energy, and two identical sources together are 3 dB louder than one — not double. So two 70 dB fans are 73 dB, not 140 dB.

> Levels are measured at roughly one metre unless stated otherwise. Sound falls off with distance — about 6 dB per doubling — so the same appliance is noticeably quieter across a room than beside your ear.

## More about a dishwasher

- [How much does a dishwasher weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/dishwasher/) — 28–58 kg
- [How much does a dishwasher cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/dishwasher/) — 350–1,800 $
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/) — 7–13 yr
- [Dishwasher vs Air conditioner](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/) — Side by side
- [Dishwasher vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-washing-machine/) — Side by side
- [Dishwasher vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-dishwasher/) — Side by side
- [Dishwasher vs Water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-water-heater/) — Side by side
- [Dishwasher vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-oven/) — Side by side
- [Dishwasher vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How loud is a dishwasher?

A dishwasher reaches 38–62 dB. Manufacturer dBA ratings for current built-in models. CDC lists older dishwashers at around 70 dB.

## Related pages

- [How much does a dishwasher weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/dishwasher/)
- [How much does a dishwasher cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/dishwasher/)
- [How long does a dishwasher last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/dishwasher/)
- [How loud is a washing machine?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/washing-machine/)
- [How loud is a air conditioner?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/air-conditioner/)
- [How loud is a vacuum cleaner?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/vacuum-cleaner/)
- [How loud is a blender?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/blender/)
- [How loud is a hair dryer?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/hair-dryer/)
- [How loud is a dehumidifier?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/dehumidifier/)
- [How loud is a air purifier?](https://atoneplace.net/loud/air-purifier/)
- [Dishwasher vs Air conditioner](https://atoneplace.net/vs/air-conditioner-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Dishwasher vs Washing machine](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-washing-machine/)
- [Dishwasher vs Clothes dryer](https://atoneplace.net/vs/clothes-dryer-vs-dishwasher/)
- [Dishwasher vs Water heater](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-water-heater/)
- [Dishwasher vs Oven](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-oven/)
- [Dishwasher vs Refrigerator](https://atoneplace.net/vs/dishwasher-vs-refrigerator/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)
- What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html) [Public domain (US Government)]
- Occupational Noise Exposure — Occupational Safety and Health Administration (https://www.osha.gov/noise) [Public domain (US Government)]