Sound absorption INFO SHEET

values and classes

Sound absorption is measured using the sound absorption
coefficient alpha (α), which has a value between 0 and 1.00.
Zero represents no absorption (total reflection), and 1.00
represents total absorption of the incident sound.

Sound absorption class

To enable simple comparison
between products acoustic materials
are classed on a scale from
A to E, with A-rated products having
the highest rated sound absorption
performance. Many of Acoustic
Comfort’s products are A-rated.
First, a material is tested to obtain
absorption coefficient values over
a range of standard test frequencies,
according to BS EN ISO 354. These are
then plotted on a graph to produce
an absorption curve.
The sound absorption class is
attained by comparing these values
against a reference curve, resulting
in an A weighted sound absorption
coefficient (αw) calculated in
accordance with BS EN ISO 11654.

Sound absorption table

1
Highest
B
0.8
Absorption Coefficient, αw

C B
0.6

D
0.4

0.2
E
Lowest
Unclassified
0
125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
Frequency (Hz)

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