The magnitude equivalent of 11 dB is approximately 3.5481.
Decibels (dB) and magnitude are related through a logarithmic formula that converts the logarithmic dB value back into a linear scale magnitude. This transformation reverses the logarithmic scaling used in decibels.
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 express a ratio on a logarithmic scale base 10, comparing powers or amplitudes. When converting back, you raise 10 to the power of the dB value divided by 20, which converts the logarithmic value to the linear magnitude.
For example, converting 11 dB to magnitude:
- Divide dB by 20: 11 ÷ 20 = 0.55
- Calculate 10 raised to the power 0.55: 10^0.55 ≈ 3.5481
- So, the magnitude is approximately 3.5481
Conversion Example
- Convert 6 dB to magnitude:
- Divide 6 by 20 → 6 ÷ 20 = 0.3
- Calculate 10^0.3 ≈ 1.995
- Magnitude is about 1.995
- 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 exactly 10
- Convert 0 dB to magnitude:
- 0 ÷ 20 = 0
- 10^0 = 1
- Magnitude is 1
Conversion Chart
The table below shows dB values from -14.0 to 36.0 and their corresponding magnitudes. You can find the magnitude by looking up the dB value and reading across the row. This helps quickly estimate magnitude without calculations.
dB | Magnitude | dB | Magnitude | dB | Magnitude |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
-14.0 | 0.1995 | 4.0 | 1.5849 | 22.0 | 12.5893 |
-10.0 | 0.3162 | 8.0 | 2.5119 | 26.0 | 19.9526 |
-6.0 | 0.5012 | 12.0 | 3.9811 | 30.0 | 31.6228 |
-2.0 | 0.7943 | 16.0 | 6.3096 | 34.0 | 50.1187 |
0.0 | 1.0000 | 20.0 | 10.0000 | 36.0 | 63.0957 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How do I convert 11 dB to magnitude value?
- What’s the magnitude equivalent of 11 decibels?
- Why does 11 dB equal approximately 3.55 in magnitude?
- Can I get a step-by-step to convert 11 dB into magnitude?
- What formula to use for changing 11 dB into magnitude?
- Is 11 dB a large magnitude or small one?
- How does magnitude change when dB is 11?
Conversion Definitions
dB (decibel): A logarithmic unit measuring the ratio between two values, commonly power or intensity. Decibels use base-10 logarithms to express very large or small quantities compactly, often comparing signal levels, sound pressure, or gain in electronics.
Magnitude: The linear scale measure representing the actual ratio or size corresponding to a logarithmic dB value. Magnitude shows the direct proportional factor, often amplitude or voltage, without logarithmic compression.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the divisor 20 in the formula for dB to magnitude?
The divisor 20 appears because decibels measure power ratios on a logarithmic scale using 10*log10(power ratio). Since power is proportional to the square of amplitude or magnitude, converting amplitude ratios uses 20*log10(magnitude). When reversing, dividing the dB by 20 retrieves the original magnitude.
Can negative dB values convert to magnitude?
Yes, negative dB values mean the magnitude is less than 1. The formula 10^(dB/20) works for negative inputs, producing magnitudes between 0 and 1, indicating a reduction or attenuation compared to the reference.
Does this formula apply for power and voltage dB conversions?
This formula specifically converts voltage or amplitude dB values to magnitude. For power dB values, you use 10^(dB/10) instead, since power relates directly to the dB formula without squaring effect.
What happens if I input zero dB into the formula?
Zero dB corresponds to a magnitude of exactly 1, meaning no change or unity gain. Since 10^(0/20) = 10^0 = 1, it serves as the baseline or reference level in dB measurements.
Is the magnitude always positive after conversion?
Yes, magnitude values are positive real numbers because they represent linear amplitude ratios. The logarithmic dB scale can be negative, but when converted back, magnitude will be positive to reflect actual size or strength.