How is the loudness of a sound typically measured?

Loudness of a sound is typically measured in decibels (dB). The decibel scale quantifies sound intensity and is logarithmic, meaning that each increase of 10 decibels represents a tenfold increase in intensity. This scale allows us to compare sounds in a way that aligns with human perception; for example, a sound measured at 60 dB is perceived as twice as loud as a sound at 50 dB, even though the actual intensity difference is significantly greater.

The other units mentioned are used to measure different characteristics of sound. Pascals measure pressure, Hertz indicates frequency (the pitch of the sound), and Watts relate to power (energy per time) rather than perceivable loudness. Therefore, while all these units are relevant in the context of sound and acoustics, decibels specifically provide a direct measure of how loud a sound is perceived by the human ear.