Amphitheatre acoustics calculator

Sound propagation, RT60, and acoustic zone analysis

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The Amphitheatre Acoustics Calculator helps architects and acoustic engineers analyze acoustic performance of amphitheatres and performance spaces. Calculate reverberation time (RT60), clarity index, and identify acoustic zones for optimal sound quality.

Proper acoustic design ensures clear sound transmission, appropriate reverberation, and balanced sound distribution throughout performance spaces. The calculator uses Sabine's formula to determine RT60 and analyzes sound propagation zones.

Enter space dimensions, seating configuration, and material absorption coefficients to calculate RT60, clarity index, and identify acoustic zones (direct sound, early reflections, late reflections, dead zones). The tool helps optimize acoustic design for different performance types and audience sizes.

Features

Everything you need

RT60 reverberation time calculations
Clarity index (C80) determination
Acoustic zone identification
Material absorption presets
Sound propagation visualization
Sabine's formula application
Performance space optimization

How it works

Simple workflow

1
Enter space dimensions
2
Specify seating configuration
3
Select material absorption preset
4
Review calculated RT60 and clarity
5
Analyze acoustic zones

Use cases

Built for real-world scenarios

Performance space design

Design amphitheatres and auditoriums with optimal acoustic properties.

Acoustic analysis

Analyze existing spaces and identify acoustic improvements needed.

Material selection

Select appropriate materials and finishes for desired acoustic performance.

Renovation planning

Evaluate acoustic impact of space modifications and material changes.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

RT60 is reverberation time—the time for sound to decay 60 dB after source stops. Optimal: Speech 0.5-1.0s, Music 1.5-2.5s, Orchestral 2.0-2.5s. Calculated using Sabine's formula: RT60 = 0.161 × Volume ÷ (Surface Area × Absorption).

Clarity (C80) measures ratio of early to late sound energy. Higher C80 = clearer sound. Optimal: Speech C80 > 0 dB, Music C80 = -2 to +2 dB. Low C80 indicates excessive reverberation.

Direct Sound: Excellent (line of sight). Early Reflections: Good (beneficial, <50ms). Late Reflections: Fair (may cause echo, 50-80ms). Dead Zone: Poor (limited direct sound, excessive reverb).

Increase absorption (acoustic panels, upholstered seating) to reduce RT60. Optimize geometry for direct sound distribution. Add reflective surfaces for early reflections. Avoid parallel surfaces that cause flutter echo.

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We're always looking to improve our calculators. If you have ideas for new features, improvements, or found something that could work better, we'd love to hear from you.

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