Headphone Power Calculator

Pick your headphones and your audio interface or headphone amp (or enter values by hand) to see the max SPL, the voltage and power needed for your target level, and whether it can drive them.

Headphones

Search headphones

Pick headphones from the list, or enter values below.

Sensitivity

Impedance

Interface / amp

Search devices

Pick a device from the list, or enter values below.

Output spec

Max power

mW @Ω

Max voltage

Vrms

Output impedance

Ω (optional)

Results

Target SPL

dB SPL

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Max SPL from these headphones at full device output

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Sensitivity (converted): —
Device voltage into these headphones: —
Device power into these headphones: —
Voltage needed for target: —
Power needed for target: —
Limiting factor: —
Damping factor (headphone Z ÷ output Z): —

Verdict: headroom ≥ 3 dB = Can drive; 0–3 dB = Marginal; can’t reach the target = Can’t drive. With only an estimated ceiling the result is usually “Probably OK”, and only counts as Can drive with ≥ 6 dB headroom and output impedance ≤ 1/8 of the headphone impedance (or headphones ≥ 100 Ω when output impedance is unknown). When only a lower bound or a range can be calculated, it’s Can drive if the lower bound is enough, otherwise “Uncertain”. Default target is 100 dB SPL (same as The Phone Path). Sensitivity is taken at 1 kHz and ignores distortion, bass demands and both channels driven at once — use it as a guide. 85 dB is everyday listening, 100 dB is already loud, and 110 dB leaves room for peaks. Protect your hearing on long sessions.