What is the difference between dB and dBm? - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What is the difference between dB and dBm?

What is the difference between dB and dBm?

Change Image    Delete

Asked by Deborah , Last updated: Nov 10, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

5 Answers

C. OWENS

C. OWENS

I love to do some charity work. Have a passion for writing and do it in my spare time

C. OWENS
C. OWENS, philanthropist, MD, Bristol

Answered Dec 03, 2020

When a physical activity, such as power or intensity, is measured relative to a reference level expressed in decibels (dB), the logarithmic unit. Decibel is considered a dimensionless unit because it is a ratio of the two quantities with the same unit; thus, cancellation occurs. It is used for figuring out the balance between two values, and the best example of this is the signal to noise ratio.

The sound pressure level is typically measured in dB, but it is not constrained to that number alone. There are many uses of this measuring unit, particularly in engineering. dBM, on the other hand, stands for an absolute power level. It is about another unit of power called the milliwatt. The importance of P is power in watts. Then, with further computation, you can translate the absolute power unit P into dBm.

The unit dBm is devised because 1MW is a convenient reference point from which to measure power in practice. dBM is considered an absolute unit to measure power. Based on what value the power is described, a particular total value of power can be any kind. dBm can be written because of the 1mW reference.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Ben

Ben

But Can you play this?

Ben
Ben , Professional Gamer, Styria

Answered Nov 27, 2020

DB and dBm are normally used when talking about sound waves, cellular signal strength, or the signal power of an amplifier. dB or decibels is a unit of measure that corresponds to one-tenth of a bel. It usually measures the intensity of sound or the increase and decrease of the signal/wave being emitted. When dB is being used, it is when two power values are being compared depending on intensity values. dBm or decibels milliwatts, on the other hand, is the unit of electrical power that a transmitter can produce. One dBm is referenced to one decibel of a milliwatt. dBm is an absolute power of unit while dB is dimensionless.
upvote downvote
Reply 

H. Martin

H. Martin

H. Martin
H. Martin, Content Writer, Charlotte

Answered Aug 06, 2020

When a physical amount, such as power or intensity, is measured relative to a reference level, it is expressed in decibels, which is dB, a logarithmic unit. Decibel is considered division less because it is a ratio of two quantities with the same group and cancellation occurs. It is utilized for quantifying the ratio between two values. The best example of this is the signal to noise ratio.

The sound pressure level is normally measured in dB, but the unit is not restricted to that quantity only. There are many uses of this measuring unit, usually in engineering. Since it is relevant in measuring signals, anything that can be conveyed in waves may also be calculated with dB. In the disciplines of audibility electronics, dB is copiously utilized. dBm is different, yet similar to dB.

dBm stands for an absolute power level. It is about another unit of power milliwatt. The value of “P” is in watts. You can transform the absolute power unit “P” into dBm. Based on what value the power can be in any kind. dB is used to quantify the ratio between intensity or power values, while dBm is used to express an absolute amount of power.

upvote downvote
Reply 

C. Lopez

C. Lopez

Driving down to Knowledge town

C. Lopez
C. Lopez, Chauffer, Chauffer, Watertown

Answered Aug 04, 2020

There are a lot of people who may become confused with dB and dBm, mainly because they think that these two are the same. When you say dB, this is known to be a dimensionless unit. This is different from a dBm, which is known to be an absolute unit.

There are people who will use dB for the different power values that are available, while the dBm will show the absolute value of power. If you are wondering when these are normally used, you should realize that they are done for fiber optic networks that are being tested. There is a formula that is normally used in order to create dB.

upvote downvote
Reply 

K. Shadrach

K. Shadrach

K. Shadrach
K. Shadrach

Answered Jul 31, 2020

Both db and dbm stand for different things. dB stands for decibels. dBm stands for absolute power level. dB and dBm both have different ways to calculate them. dB is expressed as the following: dB = 10 log (P1/P2). dBm is expressed as dBm = 10 * log (P/1mW). A person would use dB to make a numerical ration between power values, as well as two intensity values. dBm is used to express the power's absolute value. dB has no dimensions, while dBm is absolute. Another difference between them is that they are relative to different things. dB is relative to input signals, while dBm is relative to mW signals.
upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.