Glossary → Audio fundamentals
Audio fundamentals

dBFS (decibels relative to full scale)

dBFS measures digital audio level against the maximum a file can represent: 0 dBFS is the ceiling, and every signal sits at negative values below it.

Exceeding 0 dBFS clips the waveform into distortion, which is why recording practice leaves headroom — peaks around −6 to −12 dBFS. dBFS describes peaks; perceived loudness is measured separately in LUFS.

Related terms

ClippingClipping is the distortion that occurs when a signal exceeds the maximum level a system can represent — the wa… HeadroomHeadroom is the safety margin between your audio's peaks and the maximum level the system can handle before cl… LUFSLUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale) measures perceived loudness — integrating level over time with an…

Frequently asked

What is dbfs?

dBFS measures digital audio level against the maximum a file can represent: 0 dBFS is the ceiling, and every signal sits at negative values below it.

Why does dBFS matter?

Exceeding 0 dBFS clips the waveform into distortion, which is why recording practice leaves headroom — peaks around −6 to −12 dBFS. dBFS describes peaks; perceived loudness is measured separately in LUFS.

What terms are related to dBFS?

Closely related concepts: Clipping, Headroom, LUFS — each has its own entry in this glossary.