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dBFS calculator: linear amplitude and gain

Convert a peak-referenced dBFS level to normalized linear amplitude, apply a gain change, and see whether the result crosses 0 dBFS.

Enter a level from -120 to 0 dBFS and a gain change. The calculator returns normalized linear amplitude, linear gain ratio, output dBFS, output amplitude, and an over-full-scale warning.

Result

Convert dBFS to normalized amplitude

For a peak-referenced digital level, the normalized amplitude is 10^(dBFS/20): 0 dBFS is represented as 1.0 and negative levels are fractions of that reference. This tool uses the amplitude relationship (20 log10), not a power relationship, and does not claim to predict perceived loudness.

Apply a gain change

The calculator adds the gain change in dB to the input dBFS and multiplies the normalized amplitude by 10^(gain/20). Positive gain boosts the level; negative gain attenuates it. The result shows both the linear gain ratio and the percentage change in amplitude so you can plan a mixer or processing step.

Read the full-scale warning honestly

An output above 0 dBFS is above the chosen full-scale reference and may clip in a fixed-point signal path; it is not a guarantee that every meter or downstream processor will behave identically. dBFS conventions can differ for peak and RMS readings, and this calculator does not measure audio, predict loudness, or replace a meter on the signal path you will actually use.

Sources

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