The magnitude equivalent of 11 dB is approximately 3.5481. This value represents the linear scale magnitude corresponding to a logarithmic decibel measurement of 11 dB.
The conversion from decibels (dB) to magnitude involves reversing the logarithmic relationship between them. Since decibels express ratios on a logarithmic scale, converting back requires exponentiation using the base 10.
Conversion Tool
Result in magnitude:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert decibels (dB) to magnitude is:
magnitude = 10^(dB / 20)
This formula works because decibels measure ratios logarithmically based on power or amplitude. For amplitude ratios, 20 times the log base 10 of the magnitude gives the dB value. So to find magnitude from dB, you exponentiate 10 to the power of (dB divided by 20).
Example calculation for 11 dB:
- Divide 11 by 20: 11 / 20 = 0.55
- Calculate 10 raised to 0.55: 10^0.55 ≈ 3.5481
- So, magnitude ≈ 3.5481
Conversion Example
- Convert 6 dB to magnitude:
- Divide 6 by 20: 6/20 = 0.3
- Calculate 10^0.3 ≈ 1.9953
- Magnitude is approximately 1.9953
- Convert 0 dB to magnitude:
- 0 / 20 = 0
- 10^0 = 1
- Magnitude is exactly 1
- Convert -3 dB to magnitude:
- -3 / 20 = -0.15
- 10^(-0.15) ≈ 0.7079
- Magnitude is about 0.7079
- Convert 20 dB to magnitude:
- 20 / 20 = 1
- 10^1 = 10
- Magnitude is 10
- Convert 30 dB to magnitude:
- 30 / 20 = 1.5
- 10^1.5 ≈ 31.6228
- Magnitude around 31.6228
Conversion Chart
| dB | Magnitude | dB | Magnitude | dB | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -14.0 | 0.1995 | 7.0 | 2.2387 | 28.0 | 25.1189 |
| -10.0 | 0.3162 | 11.0 | 3.5481 | 32.0 | 39.8107 |
| -6.0 | 0.5012 | 15.0 | 5.6234 | 36.0 | 63.0957 |
| -2.0 | 0.7943 | 19.0 | 8.9125 | ||
| 2.0 | 1.2589 | 23.0 | 14.1254 |
The chart shows decibel values in first, third, and fifth columns with their magnitude conversions in the next columns. To use the chart, find the dB value closest to your number, then read the corresponding magnitude. This helps quickly reference conversions without calculations.
Related Conversion Questions
- What magnitude corresponds to 11 dB in audio signals?
- How do I convert 11 decibels into a linear magnitude value?
- Is magnitude of 11 dB higher or lower than 3.5?
- Can you show the formula for turning 11 dB into magnitude?
- Why does 11 dB equal about 3.55 in magnitude scale?
- How to calculate the magnitude from 11 dB without a calculator?
- What does a magnitude of 3.5 mean if the dB reads 11?
Conversion Definitions
dB (decibel): A unit to express ratios of power or amplitude logarithmically, the decibel is used for sound intensity, electrical signals, and other measurements. It compares a value to a reference on a base-10 logarithmic scale, compressing large ranges into manageable numbers for easier interpretation.
Magnitude: The magnitude represents the linear ratio or absolute value of a signal or quantity in its original scale. When converting from decibels, magnitude shows the direct amplitude or power level before logarithmic scaling, providing a straightforward measure of size or strength.
Conversion FAQs
Why do I divide the dB value by 20 when converting to magnitude?
The decibel scale is logarithmic based on power ratios, but magnitude represents amplitude ratios. Since power relates to amplitude squared, converting amplitude requires dividing dB by 20 (not 10), because 20 * log10(magnitude) equals dB for amplitude-related quantities.
Does converting 11 dB to magnitude always give the same result?
Yes, provided the dB value relates to amplitude ratios. The conversion formula is consistent and deterministic. However, if decibels represent power ratios, the formula differs (divide by 10 instead of 20), so context matters to get the correct magnitude.
Can magnitude be less than 1 when converting from dB?
Magnitude can be less than 1 when the dB value is negative. Negative decibel values indicate ratios smaller than the reference, so exponentiating a negative dB divided by 20 results in magnitude below 1, reflecting a decrease in amplitude.
Is the magnitude unitless after conversion?
Magnitude is a ratio and therefore unitless. It expresses how many times larger or smaller a quantity is compared to a reference without attached units, making it a pure number describing relative size or strength.
How precise is the magnitude result from 11 dB conversion?
The precision depends on decimal places chosen for representation and calculator accuracy. The theoretical magnitude from 11 dB is about 3.5481, but rounding or measurement errors can cause slight variations in practical use.
Last Updated : 01 July, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.