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Crest Factor and Loudness Gain Calculator

Compare peak-to-RMS crest factor or plan constant loudness gain against a chosen true-peak ceiling. Use measured audio levels and recheck the final export.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Sample peak (dBFS), RMS level (dBFS), Measured integrated loudness (LUFS), Measured true peak (dBTP), and 2 more
Output to expect
Crest factor, Constant gain to target
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Peak-to-RMS crest factor

Crest factor dB = sample peak dBFS − RMS dBFS Peak-to-RMS crest factor only.

Loudness gain and true-peak comparison

Gain dB = target LUFS − measured LUFS; projected true peak dBTP = measured true peak + gain An ideal constant-gain projection.

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Select the same signal and measurement interval. Confirm compatible peak and RMS amplitude references. Subtract RMS from peak. Measure integrated loudness and loudness range separately if required.

Measure integrated loudness and true peak for the completed program. Enter your chosen loudness target and true-peak ceiling. Compare the constant-gain projection with that ceiling. After any limiting, editing or encoding, measure the exported program again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying peak-to-rms crest factor outside its measurement scope

This is not EBU loudness range, integrated LUFS, signal-to-noise ratio or a loudness compliance test. Some RMS meters use a sine-calibrated 3.01 dB offset; normalize references before comparing. No universal healthy-dynamics threshold or compression recommendation is applied.

Applying loudness gain and true-peak comparison outside its measurement scope

Peak dBFS and integrated LUFS are different measurements. Loudness gating, dynamics processing and encoding can change the outcome. The tool neither edits audio nor certifies a platform’s loudness requirements.

FAQ

No. Loudness range uses a different loudness measurement method.

Not with this same-interval, unshifted amplitude reference. Check the meter reference and interval.

A silent signal has no finite logarithmic RMS. Do not invent a finite reading for it.

No. It only computes the gain and projected true peak.

Use the current requirement for the actual destination and content format, or document your own chosen target.

Encoding and processing can change true peaks and measured loudness.

About Crest Factor and Loudness Gain Calculator

Compare peak-to-RMS crest factor or plan constant loudness gain against a chosen true-peak ceiling. Use measured audio levels and recheck the final export.