Knowledge Centre · Understanding Noise
What is LAmax?
LAmax can be thought of as the highest noise level reached during a specific event — one of the most commonly used descriptors for assessing the loudest moment of a noise.
Read time
2 minutes
Relevant to
Anyone reading a noise report or condition
What LAmax stands for
LAmax stands for: A-weighted Maximum Sound Level.
Fortunately, it is much simpler than it sounds.
LAmax can be thought of as the highest noise level reached during a specific event.
A changing sound level, with the highest point recorded
Most environmental noise is constantly changing. A truck passes, then a quieter car, then perhaps a motorcycle. The noise level rises and falls throughout the measurement period.
LAmax records only the highest A-weighted noise level reached during that period or event. Rather than averaging the noise like LAeq, it captures the single loudest moment.
If you measured traffic noise over one hour and recorded an LAmax of 82 dB(A), this means the single loudest noise event during that hour reached a maximum A-weighted noise level of 82 dB(A).
Where LAmax is used
LAmax is commonly used when the loudest individual noise event is important, rather than the average noise level.
- Road traffic – assessing maximum noise levels from heavy vehicles, motorcycles or emergency vehicles
- Railway noise – measuring the loudest noise generated as a train passes.
- Construction activities – assessing short-duration events such as piling, demolition or impact works.
- Environmental noise assessments – where regulations or approval conditions specify limits on maximum noise events.
Related reading
Try the calculator
See how multiple sound levels combine logarithmically, not by ordinary addition.
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