What does 0 dBFS mean?

0 dBFS is the maximum possible digital level — the point at which a 24-bit or 16-bit integer sample is at its highest value. Any signal above 0 dBFS causes hard clipping. Most engineers target peaks between -3 and -6 dBFS to leave headroom.

What is the formula for dBFS to linear?

linear amplitude = 10^(dBFS / 20). For example, -6 dBFS ≈ 0.5012 linear. The factor 20 is used because decibels for amplitude (voltage/pressure) use the 20× convention, while power uses 10×.

What linear value equals -6 dBFS?

-6 dBFS ≈ 0.5012 linear. This is close to half amplitude, which is why -6 dB is often used as a rough "half volume" reference, though the precise half-amplitude point is -6.0206 dBFS.

Can dBFS be positive?

In standard integer PCM audio, 0 dBFS is the ceiling and positive values indicate clipping. However, some floating-point audio formats allow temporary excursions above 0 dBFS without hard clipping. This calculator handles both positive and negative values.

What is the difference between dBFS and LUFS?

dBFS measures instantaneous peak amplitude, while LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) measures perceived loudness averaged over time using a psychoacoustic weighting filter. Streaming platforms specify LUFS targets (e.g. -14 LUFS for Spotify), but you still use dBFS for peak limiting.

Decibel FS Calculator

Convert dBFS to linear amplitude or linear amplitude to dBFS instantly — essential for digital audio work.

dBFS / Linear Converter

dBFS Value

dBFS

Maximum without clipping = 0 dBFS

Linear Amplitude

0–1

1.0 = full scale (0 dBFS)

Quick Reference

0 dBFS Full scale — maximum digital level

-1 dBFS True peak ceiling (broadcast standard)

-3 dBFS Common mastering headroom target

-6 dBFS Half amplitude (~0.501 linear)

-10 dBFS Typical sample library peak level

-14 dBFS Spotify / YouTube loudness target area

-18 dBFS EBU R128 reference level (dialog)

-20 dBFS Common DAW track meter reference

-60 dBFS Near noise floor for 16-bit audio

Results

Enter a dBFS or linear value to see results

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Summary

dBFS (decibels relative to full scale) is the standard unit for measuring audio levels in digital systems. A value of 0 dBFS represents the maximum possible amplitude without clipping, while negative values indicate levels below that ceiling. This calculator converts between dBFS and the corresponding linear amplitude (0.0–1.0 scale), and also shows power ratio for reference.

How it works

Enter a dBFS value (e.g. -6) to see the equivalent linear amplitude.
Or enter a linear amplitude (0.0 to 1.0) to see the dBFS value.
The conversion formula is: linear = 10^(dBFS / 20) and dBFS = 20 × log₁₀(linear).
Power ratio is also shown: power = 10^(dBFS / 10).
Results update instantly as you type in either field.

Use cases

Set precise gain staging in a DAW by targeting specific dBFS headroom.
Verify audio normalization targets (e.g. -14 LUFS streams, -1 dBFS peaks).
Convert plugin parameter values between linear and dBFS representations.
Double-check loudness metering readings during mixing and mastering.
Understand the relationship between dB and amplitude for DSP development.
Calculate headroom when combining multiple audio tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-11 · Reviewed by Nham Vu