How loud is a clarinet?

The loudness of a sound is typically measured in decibels (dB). The lowest level of sound humans can hear is around 0 dB, while the threshold of pain is around 120 dB. The loudness of a clarinet can vary depending on the player, the instrument, and the environment in which it is played. On average, a clarinet playing a loud passage has a sound level of around 85-90 dB at a distance of about 10 feet.

For comparison, this level of loudness is similar to a busy restaurant or city street. In general, the clarinet is not considered to be an exceptionally loud instrument compared to some other types of wind instruments such as trumpets or trombones. However, it can still be played loudly enough to be heard over a large ensemble or to project outdoors.