Reverb Decay Time Calculator (RT60)
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 27, 2026Reverb Decay Time Calculator (RT60)
Designing a recording space, studio, or listening room? This calculator estimates RT60 - the time for sound to decay by 60 decibels - using the classic Sabine equation.
RT60 = 0.161 x Room Volume(m┬│) / Total Absorption(sabins)
Example
A 150 m┬│ room with 25 total sabins of absorption:
RT60 = 0.161 x 150 / 25 = 0.97 seconds
What "Sabins" Actually Measure
A sabin is a unit of sound absorption equal to one square meter (or square foot, in imperial units) of a perfectly absorptive surface - total room absorption is calculated by summing each surface's area multiplied by its individual absorption coefficient, which varies by material.
Why Studios Target a Specific RT60
Recording studios and critical listening rooms typically target a much shorter RT60 than concert halls, since excess reflected sound in a small mixing or tracking room muddies recordings and makes accurate mix decisions harder - RT60 is one of the very first figures acoustic treatment is designed around.