What is the difference between dB/mW and dB/V sensitivity?

dB/mW measures how loud the headphone gets for a given power input (1 milliwatt). dB/V measures loudness for a given voltage input (1 volt RMS). The relationship depends on impedance. Low-impedance headphones appear more sensitive in dB/V because they draw more power at the same voltage.

Which sensitivity rating is more useful?

dB/V is more practical for most users because headphone amplifiers are typically voltage sources. A headphone with high dB/V sensitivity will be easier to drive to loud volumes from any source. dB/mW is useful when comparing headphones at different impedances on a power-limited source.

What is considered good headphone sensitivity?

For portable use, 100+ dB/mW or 110+ dB/V is ideal. Studio headphones are typically 90-105 dB/mW. Planar magnetic headphones often have lower sensitivity (85-95 dB/mW) and require dedicated amplification.

How do I convert between the two ratings?

dB/V = dB/mW - 10 × log10(impedance/1000). For 32-ohm headphones: dB/V = dB/mW + 14.95. For 300-ohm headphones: dB/V = dB/mW + 5.23. Higher impedance headphones have a smaller gap between the two ratings.

AudioCalcs

Headphone Sensitivity Calculator — dB/mW to dB/V Conversion

Convert between dB/mW and dB/V sensitivity ratings for headphones.

Conversion Direction

Sensitivity (dB/mW)

Impedance

How We Calculate This

Conversion Formulas

dB/V = dB/mW − 10 × log10(Z / 1000)

dB/mW = dB/V + 10 × log10(Z / 1000)

Where Z is the headphone impedance in ohms. The relationship comes from P = V²/R, so at 1V the power delivered depends on impedance.

Why They Differ

At 1V into 32 ohms, the power is 31.25mW (about +15 dB above 1mW). So a 32-ohm headphone rated at 100 dB/mW will measure about 115 dB/V.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Impedance Matching Calculator

Calculate damping factor and output impedance matching for headphones and amplifiers. Verify the 1/8 rule for optimal amplifier pairing.

Headphone Power Calculator

Calculate the power and voltage needed to drive your headphones to a target listening level. Check whether your amp is powerful enough.

DAC Calculator

Calculate DAC output voltage, dynamic range and whether it can drive your headphones to adequate listening volume. Free online tool.

Headphone Amplifier Calculator

Determine if your headphone amplifier can deliver enough power and voltage swing for your headphones at your target listening level.

Headphone Cable Calculator

Calculate headphone cable resistance and its effect on frequency response, damping factor and overall audio signal quality and clarity.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard formulas. Always verify results for critical applications.