Acoustic Glass Estimator: How Much Quieter Could It Be?

It depends on two things: the noise you are dealing with, and the glass you put in front of it. ToughGlaze acoustic laminated glass is certified from Rw 36 dB (TG 11.5 TALG) to Rw 39 dB (TG 12.8 ALG) to BS EN 14449. Low-frequency noise like traffic and bass is the hardest to block, so it never disappears completely. Use the estimator below to hear the difference, compare the glazing, and get a spec with a quote.

How the estimator works

Pick the noise: road traffic, a railway, a busy office, a bar or aircraft. Press play to hear it, then switch the glazing from single, to standard double, to acoustic laminated, and hear it dull and quieten.



You see the Rw figure for each option, a bar showing roughly how loud the same noise sounds through it, and you can send the result straight to a quote. Built for specifiers, facilities teams and anyone fighting a noise problem.

How much noise does acoustic glass reduce?

Our acoustic laminated glass is certified at Rw 36 dB and Rw 39 dB. Typical single glazing is around Rw 28 dB and typical standard double glazing around Rw 31 dB.



Every 10 dB sounds roughly half as loud. So moving from single glazing to Rw 39 acoustic glass, a gain of about 11 dB, makes the same noise sound around half as loud. Against deep, low-frequency noise the gain is smaller, which is why heavy rumble is the last thing to go.

What the Rw number means

Rw is the single figure for how much airborne sound the glass holds back, measured in decibels. Higher is better. For the detail, read acoustic glass ratings explained and how soundproofing glass works.

It is the system, not just the glass

Acoustic glass only delivers its rating as part of a suitable framing system. The glass is one part of the answer, and the frame, seals and installation carry the rest. So treat the estimator as a guide, and let our team confirm the right build and the realistic result for your space. Every acoustic unit is laminated with a PVB interlayer, made to measure and Kitemark-approved.

Get the right acoustic glass

Once you know roughly what you need, see the acoustic glass product page, or request a quote from the estimator and we will confirm the build. Working with an existing window? Start with our guide on whether you can soundproof glass without replacing it, and what glass thickness is best for soundproofing.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much quieter does acoustic glass make a room?

    It depends on the noise and the glass. ToughGlaze acoustic laminated glass is certified from Rw 36 to Rw 39 dB, about 8 to 11 dB more than typical single glazing. As a rule of thumb, every 10 dB sounds about half as loud.

  • Does acoustic glass really work?

    Yes, when it is part of a suitable frame with good seals. The interlayer in acoustic laminated glass damps the vibration that carries sound through a pane. Press play on the estimator and you can hear the difference for yourself.

  • Does acoustic glass block traffic noise?

    It reduces it, but low-frequency noise like traffic and bass is the hardest to block, so heavy rumble is the last thing to go and never disappears completely.

  • Is acoustic glass better than standard double glazing?

    For noise, yes. Typical standard double glazing is around Rw 31 dB. Our acoustic laminated glass is certified at Rw 36 to 39 dB, and the estimator lets you hear the gap between them.

  • Should I choose Rw 36 or Rw 39 acoustic glass?

    Go by the noise you are fighting. For a busy road or a venue next door, start with the Rw 39 option (TG 12.8 ALG). For general street or office noise, the Rw 36 option (TG 11.5 TALG) may be enough. Use the estimator to hear both, then let our team confirm the build with your frame.

  • Is it the glass or the whole window that controls noise?

    The whole system. Acoustic glass only delivers its rating with a suitable frame, good seals and proper installation.