Bels (B)
The bel, named after Alexander Graham Bell, is the base-10 logarithm of a power ratio.
Convert bels to any level unit
1 bel = 10 decibels
Quick facts
- Unit
- Bel (plural: bels)
- Symbol
- B
- Measures
- Sound Level / Decibels
- System
- Levels
- Definition
- log₁₀ of a power ratio.
1 bel in other units
| Decibels | 10 dB |
| Power ratios | 10 P/P₀ |
| Amplitude ratios | 3.16227766 A/A₀ |
What is a bel?
The bel, named after Alexander Graham Bell, is the base-10 logarithm of a power ratio. It is too large for most uses, so the decibel is preferred.
Where the bel sits among level units
The bel is number 4 of 4 on our scale of level units, ordered from smallest to largest.
Decibel1 B = 10 dB
Belthis unit
Top bel conversions
Common amounts of bels
Convert bels to all 5 other units
Levels
Ratios
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Frequently asked questions
What is a bel?
The bel, named after Alexander Graham Bell, is the base-10 logarithm of a power ratio.
How is the bel defined?
log₁₀ of a power ratio.
How many decibels are in a bel?
One bel equals 10 decibels.
How many power ratios are in a bel?
One bel equals 10 power ratios.
How many amplitude ratios are in a bel?
One bel equals 3.16227766 amplitude ratios.